According to an arrest affidavit, Officer Brewer was traveling near the intersection of Liberty Road and Greathouse Road at approximately 3:50 AM on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, when they spotted a white SUV with its headlights on stopped in the eastbound lane. The vehicle was parked partially in the road and partially over the fog line directly in front of Kennedy Eyecare.

As the officer drove past to safely turn around and position their patrol unit behind the SUV, they observed a male driver, later identified as Jason Kendall, appearing to be unconscious or asleep behind the wheel.

Officer Brewer approached the driver's side door, the window was rolled down about a quarter of the way and the odor of alcohol was coming from inside the passenger compartment.

After the officer knocked on the glass and gave several verbal commands, Kendall woke up looking confused and disoriented. He began manipulating the ignition and windshield wiper controls haphazardly while the vehicle's transmission was still left in drive.

Officer Brewer instructed Kendall to put the SUV in park and provide his driver's license. After multiple requests, Kendall complied. Upon stepping out of the vehicle, Kendall was highly unsteady on his feet, had bloodshot, watery eyes, and emitted a strong odor of alcohol from his breath and person. When asked if he had consumed any alcohol that morning, Kendall reportedly repeated, 'This morning?' before admitting to drinking four beers.

Prior to initiating standard field sobriety testing, the officer asked Kendall if he had any medical conditions or physical impairments that would impact his balance. Kendall reportedly responded, 'Does being blown up six times count?' but did not provide a definitive answer when asked if he suffered from a traumatic brain injury.

Following the field exercises, Officer Brewer determined Kendall was too impaired to safely operate a motor vehicle. Atoka Police Master Patrol Officer Peydon Griffith arrived at the scene and read Kendall the Oklahoma Implied Consent Test Request for a chemical blood test, which Kendall refused.

Kendall was placed under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol and secured in the back of the patrol unit. Officer Brewer noted that during transport to the Atoka County Jail, Kendall became verbally belligerent and visibly upset. His demeanor continued to shift between agitation and calm during the booking process before he was placed into a detoxification cell without further incident.

Oklahoma READY, which stands for Resilience, Education, Awareness, Decision-Making for Youth, provides Botvin LifeSkills Training curriculum to Oklahoma schools at no cost. Students learn to refuse opioids, unauthorized prescription medications and other substances while building decision-making, communication and coping skills that support resilience and long-term success.

'We can't prosecute our way out of the opioid crisis. We must raise a generation that never gets pulled into it in the first place,' said Drummond. 'Oklahoma READY gives our schools a proven tool to build that resilience early, and it doesn't cost districts a dime to bring it into their classrooms.'

Curriculum in this initiative is available for middle and high school students. Schools and districts will receive a stipend to help implement the program. Facilitator training will be held on July 23 in Oklahoma City and Aug. 3 in Tulsa.

Oklahoma READY is funded through Oklahoma Opioid Abatement funds and supported by the Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Board.

Schools and districts can learn more and apply at oklahoma. gov/oag/okready.

City Reverses Course, Enters National Opioid Settlement The council voted unanimously to join the national opioid settlement class before the extended July 16 deadline.

City officials initially expressed skepticism because the specific financial allocation remains unknown and the usage guidelines are highly restrictive. Legal updates confirmed that Atoka was indeed included in a newly structured class for municipalities, correcting a previous misunderstanding regarding population thresholds.

The council noted that while the final payout might be modest, potentially under $5,000, the city could strategically leverage the funds. Proposed uses for the incoming money include:

• Offsetting specific police department salaries for special assignments.

• Funding a DARE or school resource officer program in partnership with Atoka County.

• Launching localized substance take-back public awareness and signage campaigns.

Outgoing Chief Dodson confirmed that the department's emergency Narcan supplies and training are currently fully subsidized through external partnerships with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and the Choctaw Nation. This allows the city to preserve the new settlement funds for longterm preventative programs.

'Safe Streets for All' Planning Grant Accepted The council officially accepted a $350,000 Safe Streets for All (SS4A) planning grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The project, which requires a $10,000 local cash match alongside a $60,000 in-kind match, will fund a comprehensive safety study aimed at secondary roads and neighborhood traffic flow. The city is partnering with the University of Oklahoma (OU) to design the master plan.

Officials emphasized that this is strictly a planning phase, which will mandate future public town halls to gather citizen feedback on sidewalk gaps, structural illumination, and intersection hazards.

Completing this federally mandated plan is a firm prerequisite before Atoka can apply for larger federal construction and implementation grants.

REAP Grant Application Approved for Public Works Machinery The council approved Resolution 2026-15, authorizing a formal application to the Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) for $90,000 in financial assistance to modernize the public works fleet.

If awarded, the funding will systematically target aging heavy equipment, specifically covering:

• A new utility tractor priced at $74,150.97.

• A compatible industrial brush hog attachment priced at $21,531.00.

The total cost of the equipment package slightly exceeds the $90,000 grant ceiling. The city will cover the remaining budget balance of just over $5,000 using local municipal funds.

Library Board and Trust Updates

• Library Trustee Reappointment: The council unanimously approved a letter from the Southern Oklahoma Library System requesting the reappointment of Lisa Morland to the local Board of Trustees for an additional three-year term.

• ACIDA Fireworks Commendation: During the subsequent Atoka City Industrial Development Authority (ACIDA) meeting, Mayor Cathey and the trustees praised city staff, volunteers, and emergency personnel for managing a highly successful, incident-free Fourth of July parade and pre-holiday fireworks show that drew record crowds.

Drummond joined 48 other state attorneys general in responding to the FCC's proposed rules, which stem from a request the Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force made to the commission in 2021. Con artists used to illegally “spoof” other people’s phone numbers to make it look like a call from a legitimate organization. But fraudsters can’t easily do that anymore after the federal government and state attorneys general took action to cut down on illegal spoofing. Now, scammers often purchase real phone numbers and use them to make robocalls.

“Scammers shouldn't be able to buy their way into Oklahomans' trust with a phone number that looks legitimate,” Drummond said. “Every number a scammer buys is another chance to steal from someone's grandmother, drain a family's savings or con a small business owner out of a day's work. It's time to make it harder to get a number and easier to catch the people abusing them.”

Drummond and the attorneys general are asking the federal government to do more, including:

• Require every company that is authorized to purchase and then resell phone numbers in North America to meet stronger certification rules and share how and to whom they are assigning numbers.

• Require these companies to submit regular reports about the sale and use of numbers, so law enforcement can trace illegal robocalls back to the source.

• Require people and entities that are applying to access phone numbers to confirm that they won’t use them to make illegal robocalls.

• Block the sale of phone numbers to entities that aren’t tied to a calling or texting service. Robocallers often buy these numbers without linking them to a legitimate phone service, since they don’t plan on using the numbers for legitimate calling and texting purposes.

• Prohibit number cycling, which is when an entity buys lots of numbers and then uses them on a rotating, sometimes single-use basis to avoid being detected by tools that flag numbers used to make illegal robocalls.

• Restrict the offering of trial numbers to discourage scammers from taking advantage of them to harm consumers.

According to Federal Trade Commission data, Oklahoma sits in the top 10 states for the highest number of official fraud and telemarketing complaints filed per capita. In 2024, Americans lost more than $12.5 billion in 2024 to scams, including through phone calls and texts.

According to an incident report, Atoka Police Master Patrol Officer Peydon Griffith and Officer Joe Miklaucic responded to the local QuikTrip at approximately 12:42 AM on Sunday, July 5, 2026, following a theft report from the store manager.

The manager told officers that two men entered the business and attempted to purchase a Twix candy bar, a Payday candy bar, two hot dogs, a fountain drink, and $40.00 worth of fuel.

When one of the men attempted to use a debit card to cover the $57.75 total, the card transactions cleared for only $0.74, leaving an outstanding balance of $57.01.

The driver reportedly told the manager he was going outside to call his boss to have more money loaded onto the account. Before the two men exited the building, the manager managed to retrieve the fountain drink and the hot dogs.

However, both men left the property without paying for the remaining Twix and Payday candy bars. While they did not pump the fuel, they fled the scene in a 2015 Dodge Ram 3500. A routine registration check revealed the truck belongs to a company based out of McAlester.

According to the report, Atoka Police Master Patrol Officer Peydon Griffith was in the department's front parking lot at approximately 5:45 AM on Thursday, July 2, 2026, when he heard a vehicle with an exceptionally loud exhaust traveling westbound. Officer Griffith noted the vehicle was also missing its license plate.

Officer Griffith exited the station and activated his emergency lights and siren to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle turned into the Choctaw Nation Atoka Campus, where its engine suddenly died. The patrol unit was blocking the westbound lane of West Liberty Road, Griffith used his audible PA system to instruct the driver to pull forward, but the driver did not comply. As Griffith approached the vehicle on foot, he could hear the driver repeatedly attempting to restart the engine.

Officer Griffith approached the passenger side window while Sergeant Michael Brewer walked up to the driver's side. Looking through the window, Griffith observed a partially consumed bottle of D'ussé Cognac inside the vehicle.

Sergeant Brewer twice instructed the driver to remain inside the vehicle, but the driver ignored the commands and stepped out anyway. Officer Griffith immediately took physical control of the driver, who was unsteady on his feet and unable to maintain his balance. While detaining him, officers detected a strong odor of alcohol emitting from his person.

The driver was identified by his Oklahoma driver's license as Hunter Sumner. When questioned about medication, Sumner told Sergeant Brewer that he was prescribed Alprazolam (Xanax) and had taken a dose at '4,' though he did not clarify if he meant 4:00 AM or 4:00 PM. The prescription bottle was recovered from his front right sweatpants pocket.

Due to Sumner's severe instability and the fact that officers had to physically hold him upright to prevent a fall, standard walking and balance sobriety tests were omitted for his safety. However, an eye gaze test conducted at the scene revealed maximum indicators of both horizontal and vertical impairment.

Sumner agreed to the state's chemical testing after Sergeant Brewer read the Oklahoma Implied Consent Test Request. Brewer then transported Sumner to the Atoka County Medical Center for a blood draw, while Officer Griffith remained at the scene until R&M Towing arrived to impound the vehicle.

CIVIL RELIEF (CJ)

Ford Motor Credit Company, LLC v. Sara Brown – Indebtedness Erin D. Bird (Individually and as Personal Representative for the Estate of John B. Bird) v. P&K Stone, LLC; Peter Dawson (Individually, as Owner of P&K Stone, LLC, and Partial Owner of RPM Xconstruction, LLC) – Negligence/Wrongful Death State of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Tax Commission v. Robert Woolf – Tax Warrant CIVIL SPECIAL (CS) Capital One, N.A. v. Duane R. Griffith – Breach of Contract

CIVIL MISCELLANEOUS (CV)

5A Pine Ridge Ranch, LLC v. NBH Liquidating Trust Agreement (Dated January 8, 1990) – Petition to Quiet Title

SMALL CLAIMS

Gary Griffin v. Jo Shonnon Rich – Forcible Entry and Detainer First Bank v. Harley Scarberry Money Lenders v. Lashelle Goff MARRIAGE DOCKET (ML) Dillon Wayne Rowell and Bella Kay Radford-Garcia Chance Colton Dever and Sara Ann Baker DIVORCE DOCKET (FD)

Lari Ann Northcutt v. Eldon Lee Northcutt

FELONY (CF)

Zachary Lee Whitehurst – Domestic Abuse - Assault and Battery (B3) Johnny K. Parker – Pattern of Criminal Offenses Jacob P. Halford – Possession of Cell Phone or Electronic Device in Penal Institution (D1) Misty Ann Elizabeth Breeden – Trafficking in Illegal Drugs (Methamphetamine) (B3) Juan Irarasco Hernadez (AKA Juan Francisco Hernandez / Juan Jose Hernandez) – Driving a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol - Aggravated (B3) Ian Paul Andrews – Assault & Battery on Correctional Officer (B5) MISDEMEANOR (CM) Stormie Carrie Elle Henderson – Trespass After Being Forbidden Katrina Deellen Renfro – Larceny of Merchandise from Retailer Jason Thomas Kendall – Actual Physical Control of Vehicle Under the Influence Jake Jack Glossup – Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance (Marijuana) Allen Chad Gross – Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance (Marijuana) Brian Mark Llopis II – Possession of CDS (Marijuana) Bryan Lee Mathers – Public Intox.

TRAFFIC (TR)

Elijah Robinson, Sophie N. Eldred, Sadie L. Zipsie, Jessie J. Williams, Kyle D. Williams (Operating a motor vehicle at a speed not reasonable & proper), Charles E. Horton (11–14 mph over limit), and Janet A. Simmons – Speeding Brian P. Clark – Operate Vehicle with Expired Registration Caroline J. Joplin – Fail to Comply with Oklahoma Compulsory Insurance Law Stoney Joe Rose – Operate or Permit Operation of a Vessel Not Properly Equipped Etel Alvarez Rivas – Operate a Vehicle Without a Valid DL Vianey Garcia – Inattentive Driving Resulting in Collision; Operate a Motor Vehicle Without a Valid Drivers License Jorge L. Lopez Perez – Fail to Comply with Oklahoma Compulsory Insurance Law James S. Kuhlo – Operate Vehicle with Expired Registration Gerald G. Criswell – Following Too Closely (Truck or Towing Vehicle Following Like Vehicle) Luke T. Montgomery – Seatbelt James D. McLaughlin – Operating Vehicle on Which All Taxes Due Allen C. Gross – Driving While License Revoked

When a suburban town 100 miles away faces a political crisis over its taps, the ripples travel directly down the pipeline to the shores of Lake Atoka.

In Canadian County, the City of Yukon has become the epicenter of a fierce local civil war. Citizens have launched aggressive recall petitions against local officials over a proposed $1 billion data center project. The core of the public’s panic is water.

Yukon already rations its water during peak summer months, largely because its local underground wells are heavily restricted by high, naturally occurring levels of arsenic.

To make its tap water safe to drink, Yukon relies on a strict blending system, purchasing two-thirds of its daily water supply directly from the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust (OCWUT).

Yukon is not alone in its dependency. Oklahoma City operates as a regional wholesale water monopoly, locking 17 surrounding suburban communities and rural water districts into long-term master contracts.

As these fast-growing municipalities court tech developers, they are chasing economic growth that their own local geography cannot physically support.

To meet this exploding demand for more than 1.5 million people, Oklahoma City relies on an expansive water system that stretches 250 miles across the state. The city does not rely on a single source.

In northwest Oklahoma, the Canton Reservoir releases water down the North Canadian River channel, where it is diverted into Lake Hefner in northwest Oklahoma City for local treatment. Within the city limits, Lake Stanley Draper serves as a vital metropolitan reservoir. However, these local and northwestern basins are only part of the equation, and they cannot carry the weight of the suburban boom alone.

The absolute lifeblood of the entire central Oklahoma grid remains anchored in Southeast Oklahoma. Lake Stanley Draper does not just collect local rainfall; it acts as the primary terminal storage basin for raw water pumped directly out of the Atoka and McGee Creek Reservoirs.

This water travels through the 100-mile Atoka Pipeline, a massive engineering feat that has sustained metropolitan growth for decades.

To keep up with the intensifying commercial and residential demands of its suburban dependents, Oklahoma City is currently building a massive, parallel 72-inch second Atoka Pipeline, the largest municipal water infrastructure project in state history.

For residents of Atoka County, the ongoing political chaos in Yukon is a clear reminder of where the power sits in Oklahoma.

Big cities like Oklahoma City can balance their water needs by using rivers in the northwest or local city lakes, but those pools cannot support the massive suburban boom alone.

When a modern housing development or a massive industrial complex goes up in the metro area, it places a direct burden on our local resources. The millions of dollars in corporate deals are signed in suburban city halls a hundred miles away, but the physical water to back those deals up is being drawn straight out of our own backyard.

The charge arose from an investigation by the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police, the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

On October 15, 2025, Doctor pleaded guilty to the charge in federal district court. According to investigators, on May 4, 2025, Doctor knowingly possessed a semi-automatic rifle and eight rounds of ammunition after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment.

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. On August 10, 2026, Doctor will self-report to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Morgan Muzljakovich represented the United States.

The Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health is one of the nation’s leading certifications recognizing organizations that prioritize mental health in the workplace. Employers are evaluated on workplace culture, benefits, compliance, and wholehealth wellness programs, with recognition levels ranging from Bronze to Platinum. The Gold designation reflects Choctaw Nation’s commitment to fostering a supportive work environment where employees have access to resources that promote mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing.

“This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of our associates,” said Gary Batton, Chief of the Choctaw Nation. “At Choctaw Nation, we understand that supporting mental health is essential to building a strong workforce and providing exceptional service to our tribal members and communities. We are proud to cultivate a workplace culture where employees feel valued, supported and empowered to thrive.”

Choctaw Nation offers a variety of programs, resources and benefits designed to support employee wellness, including behavioral health resources, employee assistance programs, wellness initiatives, professional development opportunities and a culture which encourages work-life balance and personal well-being.

Mental Health America established the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health in 2019 to recognize employers who implement policies and practices which support employee mental health and create psychologically safe work environments.

Organizations earning Bell Seal certification undergo a thorough evaluation process, and only a portion of applicants meet the standards required for recognition.

Andrews refused to comply and ran behind the facility's kitchen area with the officer in pursuit. Once behind the kitchen, Andrews reportedly grabbed a large metal pan from a food cart, charged at the guard, and swung the object. The pan struck the corrections officer in the left arm and wrist.

A felony charge of assault and battery on a corrections officer has been filed against Andrews.

LPXLP

The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Stringtown Police Department.

On May 5, 2026, Hilario pleaded guilty to the charge in federal district court. According to investigators, on March 27, 2026, Hilario, 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 November 2, 2018, and July 20, 2018, and after previously being convicted of a felony.

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.

Hilario will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Staubus represented the United States.

The meal will be followed by Live Gospel Music, and a Cake/Pie Auction… so bring all your favorite goodies for the auction. Hopefully, Dwain will bring his mellow, blue guitar and join in. Whoever brought the big jar of homemade fudge to the last auction is encouraged to bring another…I’m saving up to get that one. If you do not have time to stay for the entire evening, donations can be made at the door. Neighbors helping neighbors is loving-living.

Another thing to remember is the First-Day-of-School, lurking around the corner… Lane School will have the student’s first day of school August 6th , 2026.

There is still time to squeeze the last drops of fun out of this summer so get to it. Also, I just spent time with some of our kids at Church Camp and I was astounded at how much some of them had grown this summer. So, it is time to check out the clothes and see how much your bunch has grown.

Did you know that Oklahoma won an actual war against Texas? The real conflict called the Red River Bridge War occurred in 1931. It was not a traditional war but really just a boundary dispute between Oklahoma and Texas. The dispute was over a toll bridge crossing the Red River and the fight occurred when Oklahoma built a free bridge to cross the river.

The Red River Bridge Company, a private firm owned by Benjamin Colbert, had been operating a toll bridge that carried Highway 69 and 75 traffic between Colbert, and Denison. The free bridge would compete with the toll bridge in Texas which led to tensions that actually worsened into an armed confrontation between state officials and law enforcement from both sides.

First, Texas Governor Ross S. Sterling ordered that the new free bridge be barricaded at the Texas end. Then, Oklahoma Governor William 'Alfalfa Bill' Murray ordered the new bridge open on the grounds that the land on both sides of the river belonged to Oklahoma. Murray sent highway crews across the new bridge to destroy the barricades… and the fight was on. Oklahoma destroyed the barricade, then Texas damaged the Oklahoma side. Ultimately, after a court ruling, Oklahoma was considered the victor and the free bridge remained operational, while the toll bridge was no longer used by folks wanting to cross the Red River.

The free bridge, that was the cause of the dispute, opened on Labor Day, September 7, 1931. It was replaced in 1995. A portion of the original bridge was saved as a historical attraction and can be seen at the Colbert City park in Colbert, Oklahoma.

You can read all the details in a more in-depth article called The Red River Bridge War A Texas-Oklahoma Border Battle by Rusty Williams at the Texas A&M University Press website.

Folks at the Boheler/Crystal Community Center invite you to join them this Friday, July 17th 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. We have a meal each Friday except for the holiday weeks of Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

The next Bingo Day is scheduled for Friday, August 7th …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 at 621 Iron Stob Rd in Lane has had a busy summer. Bible School and Camps are over…everyone survived…and the schedule is getting back to normal. The folks at Lane Baptist Church invite you to join us each week for worship and fellowship.

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’s Summer Youth Camp was held last week. Lots of activities, an overnight sleepover, and the bounce house-water slide made for lots of fun. (Some of the adults are putting in for an adult size bounce-house next year.) The Youth studied Disciples in Training and Youth Director, Rebecca Smith, did a wonderful job instructing our youth in discipleship. Rebecca gives a big Thank You to all the volunteers that made camp possible.

Regular Sunday services at Church of the Rock begins with Ladies Bible Study at 10:00 a.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 is 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: “Summer—the time when parents realize how underpaid teachers actually are.” — Unknown. But remember… “Some of the best memories are made in flip-flops.” —Kellie Elmore -

Catfish, Blue, Catfish, Channel, Catfish, Flathead good on cut bait, dough bait, live bait, live shad, punch bait, shad, stinkbait, sunfish around channels, flats, inlet, main lake, river channel.

Crappie, White fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows around brush structure, flats, main lake, points, standing timber.

Report submitted by Allen Couch (Game Warden Haskell County) Konawa: Jul 12. Elevation is normal (stable), water temperature 88°F and clear.

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

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

Catfish, Channel good on chicken liver, cut bait, shrimp around coves, inlet, riprap.

Report submitted by Garret Harley (Game Warden Seminole County)

Robert S. Kerr: Jul 12. Elevation

is normal (stable), water temperature 82°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Bass, Largemouth, Bass, Spotted good on crankbaits, lipless baits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits around brush structure, coves, points, riprap, weed beds.

Catfish, Blue, Catfish, Channel, Catfish, Flathead excellent on cut bait, dough bait, live bait, punch bait, shad, stinkbait, sunfish around channels, flats, inlet, main lake, river channel, river mouth.

Crappie, White good on hair jigs, minnows around flats, inlet, main lake, standing timber.

Report submitted by Allen Couch (Game Warden Haskell County) McGee Creek: Jul 10. Elevation is 1 ft. above normal (stable), water temperature 81°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Catfish, Channel, Catfish, Flathead good on live bait, shad, sunfish, worms around dam, main lake, rocks.

Bass, Largemouth, Bass, Spotted fair on alabama rigs, bill baits, crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits around brush structure, main lake, points, rocks, standing timber, other.

Comments: Bass are holding on summer structure in 12–20 feet of water around brush piles, standing timber, rocky points, and the dam. The bite is slow, but anglers are catching fish by working football jigs, Texas-rigged worms, deepdiving crankbaits, and Alabama rigs. Fish early in the morning or late in the evening for the best chance at success.

Report submitted by Shay Loudermilk (Game Warden Atoka County)

Hugo Lake: Jul 10. Elevation is normal (stable), water temperature 77°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Catfish, Blue, Catfish, Channel, Catfish, Flathead good on chicken liver, live bait, shad, sunfish around channels, main lake, points, river channel.

Bass, Largemouth, Bass, Spotted fair on crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits, topwater lures around brush structure, channels, points, riprap.

Crappie, Black, Crappie, White slow on jigs, minnows, small lures around brush structure, channels, standing timber.

Report submitted by Chance Phillips (Game Warden Choctaw County) Pine Creek Lake: Jul 10. Elevation is 1 ft. above normal (stable), water temperature 76°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Bass, Largemouth, Bass, Smallmouth, Bass, Spotted good on jigs, lipless baits, plastic baits, topwater lures around brush structure, creek channels, points, standing timber.

Catfish, Blue, Catfish, Channel, Catfish, Flathead fair on chicken liver, live bait, shad around channels, points.

Crappie, Black, Crappie, White slow on jigs, minnows, small lures around brush structure, standing timber.

Report submitted by Chance Phillips (Game Warden Choctaw County) Sardis Lake: Jul 10. Elevation is normal (stable), water temperature 87°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Bass, Largemouth good on bill baits, buzz baits, lipless baits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits, topwater lures around brush structure, coves, points, shorelines, standing timber, weed beds.

Catfish, Blue, Catfish, Channel, Catfish, Flathead good on chicken liver, cut bait, grass hoppers, live shad, stinkbait, sunfish, worms around brush structure, channels, main lake, points, standing timber.

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

Report submitted by Thomas Gillham (Game Warden Pushmataha County) Wister Lake: Jul 10. Elevation is normal (stable), water temperature 91°F and stained. (USACE Current Lake Level) Bass, Largemouth fair on crankbaits, plastic baits around brush structure.

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

Crappie, White good on jigs, minnows around brush structure.

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

Lower Mountain Fork River Trout Area: Jul 7. Elevation is normal (stable), water temperature 62°F and clear.

Trout, Brown, Trout, Rainbow good on hair jigs, in-line spinnerbaits, jigs, midges, nymphs, plastic baits, small lures around brush structure, channels, creek channels, discharge, river channel, river mouth, spillway.

Report submitted by Dru Polk (Game Warden McCurtain County) Broken Bow Lake: Jul 7. Elevation is normal (stable), water temperature 81°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Bass, Largemouth, Bass, Smallmouth, Bass, Spotted good on Alabama rig, bill baits, crankbaits, flukes, in-line spinnerbaits, plastic baits, small lures, spinnerbaits, topwater lures around brush structure, channels, coves, creek channels, flats, main lake, points, river channel, standing timber.

Crappie, Black, Crappie, White good on hair jigs, in-line spinnerbaits, minnows, small lures around brush structure, creek channels, points, standing timber.

Report submitted by Dru Polk (Game Warden McCurtain County)

According to the affidavit, Atoka County Sheriff's deputies responded to an 11:30 PM dispatch call on Thursday, July 9, 2026, regarding a vehicle traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of Highway 3 near Forest Hill. Deputy J.D. Mixon located the suspect vehicle, a white Toyota Tundra with New Jersey plates, and activated his emergency lights.

The vehicle failed to stop, continuing to travel the wrong way in the eastbound traffic lanes. During the pursuit, the truck nearly struck Deputy Mixon's marked unit and two oncoming vehicles. Deputy Matthew Clay positioned his patrol unit in front of the truck to force it to a stop, and deputies conducted a felony traffic stop.

The driver, identified as Juan Hernandez of Tyler, Texas, refused repeated verbal commands to exit the vehicle. Deputies removed Hernandez from the truck and placed him on the ground, where he initially concealed his arms underneath his chest before complying with handcuffs.

Deputies noted a strong odor of alcohol on Hernandez's breath and person, as well as slurred speech. Standard field sobriety tests were omitted due to safety concerns at the scene.

At the Atoka County Jail, Hernandez agreed to a breath test administered by Deputy Mixon, which resulted in a 0.16 blood alcohol concentration. A search of the truck revealed a 24-pack of Modelo Especial beer with two empty containers. Hernandez later reportedly admitted to drinking six beers earlier that evening.

District Attorney charges filed against Hernandez include felony counts of aggravated driving under the influence and endangering others while eluding a police officer, alongside misdemeanor counts of resisting an officer and transporting an open container.

Behind every purchase order, recorded document, payroll change, and financial transaction are people who depend on our office to do the job accurately and efficiently. My goal has always been to provide dependable service while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are handled responsibly and in accordance with Oklahoma law.

Financial Stewardship

One of the most important responsibilities of the County Clerk's Office is protecting the financial integrity of county government. During Fiscal Year 2025-2026, our office remained committed to careful oversight of county funds and ensuring all financial processes were completed accurately and on time.

This fiscal year, our office:

• Appropriated $10,142,444.50 in county funds.

• Distributed $10,252,174.37 to our schools, library, and EMS districts.

These numbers represent more than dollars-they represent essential services that support our communities every day.

Serving Atoka County

This year was another busy one for our office. Working alongside county departments, elected officials, and the public, we continued to provide timely and dependable service.

During the fiscal year, our office:

• Processed 4,433 purchase orders.

• Recorded 3,667 land records and official documents.

• Completed all required monthly and annual financial reports.

• Continued to maintain compliance with Oklahoma statutes and county purchasing requirements.

• Assisted county offices and citizens with the many services provided through the County Clerk's Office.

Every transaction matters because every transaction affects someone in our county.

Our Team

The accomplishments of this office would not have been possible without the dedication of our staff. Public service requires patience, knowledge, and a commitment to helping others, and I am grateful for the professionalism each member of our team demonstrates every day.

During the fiscal year:

• 17 employees departed county employment

• 37 new employees joined county government

• 80-100 Continued employees Our office also continued to participate in training opportunities to stay informed about changes in state law, technology, and county procedures so we can continue providing the highest level of service.

Looking Back

This year presented its share of challenges, including increased workloads, staffing transitions, rising operational costs, and changing legal requirements. Through teamwork and a commitment to serving the public, we continued to meet those challenges while maintaining the quality of service our citizens expect.

I am especially proud of the continued improvements we've made in office procedures, communication with other county offices, and our ongoing efforts to make county government more efficient and accountable.

Looking Ahead

As we begin a new fiscal year, I remain committed to building on the progress we've made. My priorities continue to be responsible fiscal management, exceptional customer service, continued staff development, and finding new ways to improve the efficiency of our office while remaining transparent and accountable to the citizens we serve.

Closing

Serving as your Atoka County Clerk is both an honor and a responsibility that I do not take lightly. I sincerely appreciate the support of the Board of County Commissioners, our fellow county officials, county employees, and, most importantly, the citizens of Atoka County.

Thank you for your trust and confidence in our office. I look forward to another year of serving our county with honesty, dedication, and pride.

According to an arrest report, a Stringtown Police Department officer heard a radio broadcast from the Atoka County Sheriff's Office at approximately 9:49 PM on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, regarding a stolen Ford F650 box truck near the Choctaw Travel Plaza. Shortly after the alert, the officer spotted the vehicle traveling southbound on Highway 69 from State Highway 43E.

Stringtown officers and Atoka County deputies conducted a high-risk traffic stop south of 4-D Road and took the driver into custody without incident.

During a vehicle inventory prior to impoundment, authorities discovered marijuana and drug paraphernalia inside a backpack belonging to the driver.

The driver was identified as 47-year-old Brian M. Llopis II of Houston, Texas. Llopis was transported to the Atoka County Jail and booked on allegations of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. DA charges include Possession of CDS (Marijuana) misdemeanor, and Unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor.

According to an arrest report, a Stringtown Police Department officer was patrolling the area of Highway 69 and Wells Street at approximately 8:07 AM on Saturday, July 11, 2026, when they spotted a southbound 2016 black Chevrolet Impala failing to stay in its lane. The officer noted the vehicle was drifting between both southbound traffic lanes and discovered its registration had expired in April 2026.

The officer initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of Highway 69 and 4-D Road. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from the driver's breath and person, alongside additional physical signs of intoxication.

Following a roadside driving under the influence investigation that included standard field sobriety tests, the driver was placed under arrest.

The driver was identified as 31-yearold Summera Day of Ardmore. Day was transported to the Atoka County Jail, where she was booked on allegations of driving under the influence of alcohol and driving under the influence of alcohol - second subsequent conviction.

According to the report, a Stringtown Police Department officer was running radar monitoring traffic near the intersection of State Highway 43E and Bond Street at approximately 2:03 PM on Friday, July 10, 2026. The officer clocked a Harley-Davidson motorcycle traveling 42 mph in a posted 25 mph zone.

The officer initiated a traffic stop, and the motorcyclist pulled into the parking lot of Pickers BBQ. Upon making contact with the driver, the officer noted a strong odor of alcohol coming from his breath and person, along with numerous other physical signs of impairment.

Following the investigation that included standard field sobriety tests, the driver was placed under arrest.

The operator was identified as 62-year-old Eddie Moon of Coalgate. Moon was transported to the Atoka County Jail, where he was booked on allegations of driving under the influence of alcohol and driving under the influence of alcohol - second subsequent conviction.

Statewide, the disbursement of $213,570,576 sales tax collections returned to the cities and towns reflected an increase of $9,632,596 from the $203,937,980 distributed to the cities and towns in July last year. The use tax disbursement to cities and town was $42,058,113 according to the Oklahoma Tax Commission.

In county returns, the counties shared in a $37,911,667 sales tax disbursement and a $8,517,283use tax disbursement.

The chart below compares city sales taxes and taxable sales in area cities, towns and counties as well as a comparison for the same period in 2025. Taxable Sales are calculated by dividing the tax collected by the tax rate and it shows a rough estimate of retail sales activity.

2026 2025 City May/Jun 2026 tax rate Tax collection through June 15 Taxable sales through June 15 May/Jun 2025 tax rate Tax collection through June 15 Taxable sales through June 15 Change from 2025 to 2026

Atoka 4% $389,762.29 $9,744,057.25 4% $424,641.55 $10,616,038.75 -8% Caney 2% $3,513.21 $175,660.50 2% $3,954.15 $197,707.50 -11% Checotah 4% $505,640.32 $12,641,008.00 4% $456,756.71 $11,418,917.75 11% Durant 4.38% $1,887,954.52 $43,153,246.17 4.38% $1,784,634.16 $40,791,637.94 6% Eufaula 3.50% $281,047.56 $8,029,930.29 3.50% $314,443.31 $8,984,094.57 -11% Hanna 4.00% $926.85 $23,171.25 4.00% $1,152.26 $28,806.50 -20% Keota 3.50% $12,813.77 $366,107.71 3.50% $14,235.57 $406,730.57 -10% Kinta 2.50% $5,498.76 $219,950.40 2.50% $4,879.03 $195,161.20 13% Rentiesville 4% $23.97 $599.25 4% $168.62 $4,215.50 -86% Vernon 4% $105.24 $2,631.00 4% $1,349.59 $33,739.75 -92% Council Hill 2% $8,742.52 $437,126.00 2% $1,747.26 $87,363.00 400% Henryetta 4% $315,705.70 $7,892,642.50 4% $308,691.79 $7,717,294.75 2% McAlester 3.75% $1,676,126.19 $44,696,698.40 3.75% $1,599,871.61 $42,663,242.93 5% McCurtain 3.50% $3,366.13 $96,175.14 3.50% $8,652.38 $247,210.86 -61% Muskogee 4% $3,103,981.61 $77,599,540.25 4% $2,614,987.74 $65,374,693.50 19% Stigler 3.50% $236,620.18 $6,760,576.57 3.50% $253,303.78 $7,237,250.86 -7% Stringtown 3.00% $9,509.08 $316,969.33 3.00% $8,716.31 $290,543.67 9% Tamaha 3.00% $143.09 $4,769.67 3.00% $184.85 $6,161.67 -23% Tushka 3.50% $6,644.03 $189,829.43 3.50% $7,832.59 $223,788.29 -15% Warner 4% $99,964.56 $2,499,114.00 4% $103,998.86 $2,599,971.50 -4% Whitefield 3% $6,180.06 $206,002.00 3% $5,510.96 $183,698.67 12%

County

Atoka 2% $296,495.27 $14,824,763.50 2% $290,444.55 $14,522,227.50 2% Bryan 0.50% $306,931.14 $61,386,228.00 0.50% $281,288.24 $56,257,648.00 9% Haskell 2% $208,670.04 $10,433,502.00 2% $205,107.93 $10,255,396.50 2% McIntosh 2% $523,314.57 $26,165,728.50 2% $500,359.64 $25,017,982.00 5% Muskogee 1.50% $1,622,535.76 $108,241,211.47 0.65% $1,355,019.07 $208,464,472.31 -48%

SOURCE: Oklahoma Tax Commission

The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force and the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office.

On October 8, 2025, Ebarb pleaded guilty to the charge in federal district court. According to investigators, Ebarb was convicted of First Degree Rape in the District Court of Latimer County, Oklahoma, on May 20, 2003, and was required to register as a sex offender, and that from November 2024 to February 2025, Ebarb failed to register and update his registration despite entering, leaving, or residing in Indian country, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Ebarb will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Morgan Muzljakovich represented the United States.

The issue was ultimately corrected before the next election. But the experience left the family asking an important question: 

How many other Oklahomans under guardianship, living with disabilities, or facing temporary incapacity may not realize their voter registration has changed until they arrive at the polls?

An Unexpected Discovery

Imagine arriving at your polling place on Election Day with every expectation of voting.

A family caregiver checks in and receives a ballot. The adult child she cares for steps forward next.

Instead of receiving a ballot, election workers discover the individual's voter registration has been canceled because records indicated a judicial determination of mental incapacity.

The caregiver is shocked. She knows the court order appointing guardianship specifically states that her son retained his right to vote.

After speaking with an attorney the following day, she visits county offices with the guardianship paperwork. Officials review the documents, acknowledge an error had occurred, and restore the individual's voter registration before the next election. A new voter registration card is issued.

While relieved the matter was resolved, the family couldn't stop thinking about others who may not have an attorney, an advocate or a caregiver willing—or able—to pursue the issue.

'What happens to the people who don't know?' became the lingering question.

Guardianship Does Not Automatically Mean Losing the Right to Vote Contrary to what many people may assume, being placed under guardianship does not automatically remove an individual's voting rights in Oklahoma.

State law requires courts to make an individualized determination regarding a person's ability to vote.

Under Oklahoma guardianship law, the court's order appointing a guardian must specifically address whether the individual retains sufficient capacity to vote. If the court determines the person retains that capacity, that finding is included in the guardianship order.

Likewise, Oklahoma election law states voter registration may be canceled because of a judicial determination of mental incapacitation, but that process depends upon information transmitted through the court system.

In this family's situation, officials said the registration was removed after receiving information provided through the normal reporting process. Once the guardianship documents showing the individual's retained voting rights were reviewed, the voter registration was corrected.

Why Caregivers Are Concerned

The caregiver involved says her greatest concern is not her own family anymore.

Instead, she worries about elderly residents, adults with developmental disabilities, and individuals living under limited or full guardianships who may never realize their voter registration has been canceled.

Some may assume they simply cannot vote. Others may not have family members who understand guardianship documents or know where to seek help.

Still others may discover a problem only after arriving at their polling place on Election Day, leaving little time to resolve the issue before voting ends.

While officials strive to accurately maintain voter rolls using information supplied through the courts, the family's experience illustrates how important it is for voters and caregivers to verify registration status well before Election Day.

Oklahoma Offers Assistance for Disabled Voters The Oklahoma State Election Board provides numerous accommodations to help voters with disabilities participate in elections.

Among them:

• Accessible voting equipment that allows voters with visual or physical disabilities to vote privately and independently.

• Assistance from trained precinct officials for voters with physical disabilities, visual impairments, or those unable to read.

• Accessible voting devices compatible with assistive technology such as sip-and-puff controls.

• Curbside assistance for voters unable to enter polling places.

Oklahoma also offers absentee voting options for physically incapacitated voters and their caregivers, as well as emergency absentee procedures for voters who become incapacitated shortly before an election.

What Every Voter Should Do

Election officials encourage every voter—not just those with disabilities—to verify their voter registration before each election.

Checking registration several weeks before Election Day allows time to correct any problems before registration deadlines.

Among the easiest steps voters and caregivers can take are:

• Verify voter registration through the Oklahoma voter portal before every election.

• Confirm polling place information, as locations sometimes change.

• Review sample ballots ahead of time.

• Contact the County Election Board immediately if registration information appears incorrect.

• Keep copies of guardianship orders or other court documents that address voting rights.

• Don't wait until Election Day to discover a registration problem.

A Reminder About the Right to Vote

For this Okmulgee County family, the story ended well.

The registration was restored. A new voter card arrived. The voter will be able to cast a ballot in the next election. But the experience served as a reminder that even when systems are designed to protect election integrity, mistakes can happen— and when they do, they can affect citizens whose voices are already among the least likely to be heard.

For caregivers, family members and individuals living with disabilities, a few minutes spent verifying voter registration before an election may help ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to exercise one of the most important rights guaranteed under Oklahoma law.