Daily Bible verse
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18
LeFlore County commissioner minutes 10-27-2025
LeFlore County commissioner minutes from the regular business meeting held Monday with Chairman Jamie Oliver presiding. Also, present were Interim Member Mike Parker, Member Josh Blaylock and County Clerk 1st Deputy Jedd Kirby. Absent was County Clerk Kelli Ford.
The following action was taken by the board:
(1.) Chairman Jamie Oliver called meeting to order.
(2.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to approve the minutes of regular meeting held October 20, 2025. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(3.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve purchase orders as presented. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(4.) Monthly Fee Reports: None presented.
(5.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to approve the following transfer of appropriations:
· $4,132 from D16DC-2 M&O account to D16DC-1C Travel account.
· $30,000 from D16DC-3 Capital Outlay account to D16DC-1A Personal Services account.
· $20,000 from D16MH-2 M&O account to D16MH-3 Equipment account.
Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(6.) Blanket Purchase Orders: None presented.
(7.) New Business: None discussed.
(8.) Contract Labor/ Service Agreements, Annual Contracts: None presented.
(9.) Burn Ban: Not needed at this time. No discussion.
(10.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve resolution allowing County Treasurer to reinvest surplus of County Health Department funds for November 2025. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(11.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve resolution to rescind the previously approved resolution from October 6, 2025 regarding the selection of Circuit Engineering District #3 for county bridge maintenance and inspections, due to notification that CED #3 will not be able to take on the responsibility this cycle. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(12.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to approve resolution selecting option 2 and choosing CEC, one of ODOT’s prequalified engineering firms, as the engineer for LeFlore County bridge inspections. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(13.) Motion was made by Mike Parker and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve resolution to establish cash fund account 1235-3-1300-2225, Choctaw Development Contribution- Rural Water District #17, to receive and expend contribution funds provided by Choctaw Economic Development for the benefit of Rural Water District #17. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(14.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to approve Professional Services Agreement between the LeFlore County Health Department, with Board of County Commissioners approval, and Doug Ishmael, Health Promotion Specialist, for the purpose of promoting public health strategies among targeted populations, effective November 2, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(15.) Motion was approved by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve request for floodplain services and permit application as submitted by Cox Communications regarding utility construction within county right of way located at Section 26, Township 6 North, Range 25 East, LeFlore County, Oklahoma. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(16.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to approve petition from the Bokoshe Fire Department requesting to be organized as a county fire department pursuant to Title 19 O.S. § 351 and approve the following resolutions related to the organization of the county fire department:
a. Resolution accepting and approving the petition of the Bokoshe Fire Department to be organized as a county fire department under Title 19 O.S. § 351.
b. Model resolution No. 1: A resolution for a volunteer fire department which has in its employ not more than two full-time salaried firefighters.
c. Model resolution No. 2: A resolution providing rules and regulations for a volunteer fire department.
Motion was approved, all voting yes.
(17.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve notice of public hearing regarding the petition of the Bokoshe Fire Department requesting that the Bokoshe Fire Department be organized as a county fire department pursuant to the provisions of Title 19 O.S.§ 351. Motion was approved, all voting yes.
Talihina Festival, Sallisaw Festival this weekend
By TERRY JOE WILES
Despite unexpected wet weather last weekend — after I predicted sunny and dry weather — the Poteau BalloonFest had a great turnout. There was a little duck and run for cover for a while Saturday afternoon, then back out on the midway, mud races and Moonglow at sunset. Thanks to Soundscape Music Company for providing the live music.
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SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC
Two things will always get my attention — live music and barbecue! One of the most encouraging groups for school age kids, the Future Farmers of America (FFA), continues its education in life and farming skills. “Bids and BBQ” will have it all — bids on livestock raised by the members, a raffle, live music and, of course, barbecue. All proceeds will go into the FFA to help the students. It will take place at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Center. Nothing helps ensure the flow of food that provides tasty meals as an educated future farmer. It’s a great cause. Dig deep and help all you can. I am still wondering how they’re going to get all them hogs in the Reynolds Center.
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My weather prediction this week is gonna provide a colorful ride south through the mountains to the Talihina Fall Foliage Festival. The leaves are beginning to turn and will be beautiful after a week of 40- to 70-degree weather. Leave early and make Skyline Drive part of your day. The festival will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. There will be arts and crafts, live music, games and food trucks to make this free family-friendly event worth the drive. Make plans to be there. For more information, call (918) 567-3434.
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Just across the Arkansas River to the north, Sallisaw will have its annual Red Autumn Arts Festival on Friday and Saturday. Art exhibits from more than 80 talented artists will be displayed, most available for purchasing, along with food, games and live music. Music on Friday will have “Make It a Double” at 11 a.m., Bradley Scrimscher at noon and “The Patti Steel Band” at 4 p.m. The music line-up on Saturday will be “Mule Kick Reckoning” at 11 a.m. and “Common Roots” at 3:30 p.m. All things are family friendly, and it is free to the public. This is one of the biggest art festivals in eastern Oklahoma and a good place to take something home to hang on your wall.
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Looking ahead, Terry Cooper, singer/songwriter and owner of Pirate Jam Studio, located at the corner of McKenna and Dewey avenues in downtown Poteau, will be playing at The Shop Dog Brewing Company, located at 315 Dewey Avenue, beginning at around 6 p.m. Terry brings 50 years of experience of performing and teaching to Poteau. This will be a great place to learn or learn more on your string instruments. Catch his show every Friday in November.
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In the “you-just-missed-it” part, “Wildhorse” played at LaHuerta’s Mexican Restaurant in Poteau last Saturday The band played its best stuff, and then helped some others to get to have that moment on stage in a session of open mic. The band started at 7 p.m., and the sign-up sheet was nearly full when I left at 9 p.m. It was a blast. There were lots of talented singers, and a couple of high-energy singers showed up. I hope it becomes a regular event, and I’ll have to sing for my supper next time. Ricky and Trina Ward bought my supper on Saturday night. Watch here for the next one.
• • •
As for live music this week, “SideKicks Duo” will play at The Lower Feed Room/Akins Store just North of Sallisaw from 7-9 p.m. Thursday. There is music almost every night at the “getting-to-be-famous” barbecue restaurant on Oklahoma State Highway 101. There will be good food and awesome live music On Saturday from 6-9 p.m, the band will be playing at The Mighty Crab in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Looking for a Halloween Party? On Friday, the best in the county will be at the Spiro Eagles Lodge. This year, it’s “The Stagemasters” playing for the ghouls and goblins, cowboys and indians, cops and robbers. There’s always some great costumes. There will be prizes for the best ones. The music will start at 7 p.m.
“The Libby Starks Band” has a busy weekend with two nights in Eufaula at the Rockin’ Country Bar. On Friday, Libby will sing at the haunted house for the Halloween costume party. Then, it will be full-tilt country music on Saturday. The music will start both nights at 9:30 p.m.
The Halloween costume party and pot-luck supper will be at the Fort Smith Senior Activity Center on Friday. It’s a great place to dance with awesome folks and a party to boot. It’s a NS/ND venue. “Country Express” will be playing. The music will start at 7 p.m.
Muldrow City Limits has a great line-up for November. Starting this Saturday, it’s “Sidetracked.” This uptempo country band will keep them on the dance floor. The music will kick off at 7 p.m.
“Rhythm Coalition” will be at JJ’s Grill in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Friday. This is a party band, so get dressed up like somebody or something else and join in the fun. The music will start at 7:30 p.m.
It’s time for the next Big Bear’s Open Mic Show at the Front Porch Theater just north of Alma, Arkansas The show will start at 6:15 p.m. Monday.
I am gonna quit writing now, even though I got lots more to say. That’s all the live music that I have because it’s the end of the month, and I haven’t got a couple of November schedules yet. Thanks for supporting live music!
For additional information about any live-music events or to let me know of any such venues, call or text message me at (918) 649-5736, get with me on Facebook or e-mail me at [email protected].
Thunderstorms continue Tuesday morning
Weather forecast for Tuesday is for more thunderstorms with the rain tapering off later in the day and into the night in Heavener, LeFlore County and the area.
The high is forecast to be 59 degrees with a low of 45.
Sunrise was 7:35 a.m. Sunset is 6:28 p.m.
Monday’s high was 69 with a low of 57. A total of 0.28 inches of rain was recorded, bringing the monthly total at 4.47. Average rainfall for October is 4.80 inches.
Average temperature for Oct. 28 are a high of 70 and low of 41. Records for the date were a high of 82 in 1984 and a low of 26 in 1976.
Last year on Oct. 28, the high was 89 with a low of 70.
Today in history
1965
St. Louis’ Gateway Arch is completed
On October 28, 1965, construction is completed on the Gateway Arch, a spectacular 630-foot-high catenary curve of stainless steel marking the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial on the waterfront of St. Louis, Missouri. The Gateway Arch, designed by Finnish-born, American-educated architect Eero... read more
19th Century
1886
Arts & Entertainment
1998
Cold War
1962
Inventions & Science
1992
U.S. Government and Politics
1919
World War II
1940
Memorial service set for James Edward Boblett, Jr.
Memorial service for James Edward Boblett, Jr., 75 of Panama is 12:30 p.m. Monday at Calvary Church in Panama with Reverend Brian Smith officiating. Burial will follow at the National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas at 2 p.m. under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home in Spiro.James Edward Boblett, Jr. gained his heavenly wings on Saturday in Panama. He was 75-years-old and born in Clarendon, Arkansas on Dec. 31, 1949, to James Boblett, Sr. and Anice Christine (Teenie) Clinton. James was a laborer and retired from the Whirlpool Corporation in Fort Smith, Arkansas where he was a forklift driver for many years. James’s story began on the water where he spent his early childhood living on a houseboat on the White River near Clarendon, Arkansas. This unique lifestyle fostered a spirit of Independence that would guide him throughout his life. After his family relocated to Fillmore, California, James adapted to a new kind of life, but his early years on the river always remained a cherished part of his identity and earned him the nickname of “River Rat.”
From 1969 to 1971, James served his country as a member of the United States Army in Gun 3, Charlie Battery, 4th Battalion, 5th Field Artillery and was a decorated Vietnam Veteran. He carried the weight of his service with honor and resilience and later found peace and a sense of freedom on his motorcycle embracing the wind in his beard and making countless friendships along the way. James had a remarkable way of making you feel like an old friend; he never met a stranger. His generosity knew no bounds; he would give you the shirt off his back without a second thought. James loved his family fiercely and never hesitated to share a picture, video or story about them with you. James will be remembered by many for his kind and honest heart, his easy- going and fun-loving nature, his self-taught ability to play many different musical instruments and his beautiful singing voice. James was preceded in death by his parents, James Boblett, Sr. and Anice “Teenie” Clinton; and his brother, Jerry Boblett. He was also preceded in death by his longtime coworker and best buddy and neighbor, Dale Killion. Their friendship was more like a kinship and you usually never saw one without the other. James is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Phyllis Boblett, of the home; his daughter Lisa (Richard) Townsend of Coweta; son Jerry (Lori) Boblett of Shady Point and son Dennis (fiancé Melissa) Boblett of Irvine, California; nine grandchildren Christopher, Bethany, Kayleigh, Kennedy, Jarred, Courtney, Mackenzie, Augustus and Lydia; 11 great-grandchildren Evelyn, Madyson, Kylie, Logan, Lorelei, Carter, Archer, Cooper, Julia, Cayde, and Grant; his three brothers Frank, Jimmy and Danny; his two sisters Dellia and Patsy; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who felt like family.James’s wife and children would like to thank the nurses and nurses’ aides from Heart of Hospice in Poteau for the excellent care provided to Dad during his final moments on earth. We would also like to extend a very special “thank you” to Randall Foster for all his help transporting Dad back and forth to many doctors’ appointments and hospital visits; your kindness has meant the world to us. And finally, to the numerous family and friends who called and messaged Dad everyday checking on him; for bringing him food from his favorite restaurants; and for providing him, and us, with your thoughts and prayers.You may leave an online message at www.MalloryMartinFuneralHomeSpiro.com.