Daily Bible verse
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Romans 5:1
Community resources to help during shutdown
OKLAHOMA CITY (October 29, 2025) – As the federal government shutdown continues, Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) is working to connect Oklahomans with a range of community resources aimed at helping Oklahoma families and individuals navigate financial uncertainty and maintain access to essential services. Many families, seniors, and individuals across the state are already feeling the effects of the shutdown, and OKDHS is here to help identify available programs and community supports to meet immediate needs.
If you are an Oklahoman who needs assistance, please visit the following resources:
BeANeighbor.org. Here you can search for resources within your specific community, including food pantries, housing assistance, mental health support, and more.
Apply for WIC. This resource is available for SNAP eligible women, infants, and children up to age 5. The program is administered by the Oklahoma Department of Health. Visit https://oklahoma.gov/health/services/children-family-health/wic.html for more information.
Call 211. This is a free service available to all Oklahomans. Through a phone call, live chat, text message, or online search, certified resource specialists connect people across the state to the social services in their area.
Schools: Apply at https://cnp.sde.ok.gov/CACFP/WelcomeSNPM.aspx to be a part of the Child and Adult Care Food Program. This program offers financial assistance through meal cost reimbursements, helping families stretch their budgets.
OKDHS is also encouraging Oklahomans who are in a position to help to do so. For decades, Oklahomans have been defined by The Oklahoma Standard – the belief that neighbors help neighbors in times of need. The same spirit that carried our communities through hardship before is needed once again. The federal shutdown may be beyond our control, but how we respond to one another is not. Living The Oklahoma Standard means turning compassion into action, ensuring no Oklahoman is forced to face these challenges alone.
To help fellow Oklahomans, consider the following:
Go to BeANeighbor.org. Register your organization as a partner through Be A Neighbor. Through this program, you can connect with individuals and families affected by the federal government shutdown, offering support through services such as food assistance, housing resources, and more.
Look out for your neighbors. Check on seniors, families with young children, and anyone who may be struggling. A simple check-in, shared meal, or kind gesture can make a meaningful difference.
Support local grocers and small businesses. By choosing to shop locally and consistently, you help sustain vital community lifelines that keep essential goods and services available for all, including those in need.
Contact local churches and food pantries. Ask how you can make the greatest impact – whether through financial contributions, food donations, or volunteering your time.
For official OKDHS updates related to the federal government shutdown, including SNAP FAQs, agency notices, and links to assistance, visit okdhs.org/shutdown.
Oklahoma fishing report
This week’s Oklahoma fishing report
NORTHEAST
Grand: October 25. Elevation is normal and rising, water temperature 70°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure, flats, and points. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Blue catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, and shad around channels, docks, main lake, and river channel. Report submitted by Riley Willman, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Kaw: October 27. Elevation is 2 ft. above normal and rising, water temperature 65°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on crawfish, cut bait, goldfish, live bait, live shad, shad, sunfish, and worms below the dam, flats, main lake, river channel, and river mouth. White bass and crappie slow on jigs and minnows around brush structure and standing timber. Freshwater drum excellent on crawfish, jigs, minnows, and worms below the dam. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Kay County.
Keystone: October 27. Elevation is 2 ft. above normal and rising, water temperature 67°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits, small lures, and spinnerbaits around brush structure and shorelines. Blue and channel catfish fair on live bait around channels, main lake, river channel, and river mouth. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around docks. Report submitted by Tracer Wagner, game warden stationed in Creek County.
SOUTHEAST
Blue River: October 28. Elevation is Normal and stable, water temperature 66°F and clear. (USGS Lake Level) Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass good on crankbaits, flukes, jerk baits, jigs, lipless baits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures around brush structure, channels, rocks, shallows, shorelines, and weed beds. Flathead catfish good on chicken liver, punch bait, and worms around brush structure, channels, creek channels, and rocks. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: October 26. Elevation is 6 ft. below normal and falling, water temperature 83°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, flukes, in-line spinnerbaits, and plastic baits around brush structure, creek channels, main lake, points, and standing timber. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, and minnows around brush structure, points, and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, punch bait, stinkbait, and worms around channels, coves, creek channels, points, river channel, and river mouth. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Hugo: October 24. Elevation is 2 ft. below normal and rising, water temperature 72°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth, spotted, and white bass slow on bill baits, crankbaits, jigs, and plastic baits around points, riprap, and river channel. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, live bait, and stinkbait below the dam, creek channels, and river channel. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around points and river channel. Report submitted by Chance Phillips, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: October 26. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 68°F and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, jerk baits, lipless baits, and plastic baits around main lake, points, river channel, and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, and live shad around coves, inlet, main lake, and river channel. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, and shrimp around inlet, riprap, rocks, and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
McGee Creek: October 24. Elevation is 2 ft. below normal and falling, water temperature 69°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth and spotted bass excellent on bill baits, crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, and small lures around docks, points, rocks, and standing timber. Channel and flathead catfish excellent on cut bait, live bait, shad, shrimp, and worms around channels, dam, and main lake. Report submitted by Shay Loudermilk, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Sardis: October 24. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 75°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, lipless baits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, points, shorelines, and standing timber. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on cut bait, shad, sunfish, and worms around brush structure, channels, main lake, points, and standing timber. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure, channels, and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: October 26. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 72°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Striped bass good on live shad around below the dam, channels, main lake, and points. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on cut bait, dough bait, live bait, punch bait, and stinkbait below the dam, channels, docks, and river mouth. Crappie fair on caddis flies, grubs, hair jigs, jigs, minnows, and nymphs around brush structure, coves, docks, and standing timber. Comments: Fishing was a lot better this week. The cooler water temps are really getting the striper fired up. It will continue to get better with the cooler temps. Catfish are biting on live and cut bait near channels and below the dam. Crappie are biting on jigs with Power Bait around brush piles near docks. Report submitted by Garrett Beam, game warden stationed in Marshall County.
Today in history
1938
Orson Welles’ “War of the Worlds” radio play is broadcast
“The War of the Worlds”—Orson Welles’ realistic radio dramatization of a Martian invasion of Earth—is broadcast on the radio on October 30, 1938. Welles was only 23 years old when his Mercury Theater company decided to update H.G. Wells’ 19th-century science fiction novel The War of the Worlds... read more
19th Century
1864
1990s
1995
Arts & Entertainment
1811
1905
Early 20th Century U.S.
1908
Natural Disasters & Environment
1948
1991
Sports
1974
U.S. Presidents
1735
World War I
1918
Funeral services for Marvin Morton planned
Funeral services for Marvin Morton, 77, of Spiro are 2 p.m. Friday at Mallory-Martin Funeral Home Chapel in Spiro, with Pastor Kevin Davis officiating. Burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery in Spiro, under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home of Spiro.
Marvin was born April 16, 1948, to Minnie Belle (Tune) Morton and John Jackson Morton and passed away Oct. 27, 2025 in Spiro.
He was married to Betty (Ritchie) Morton on June 24, 1971, in Stilwell.
Marvin was a man who wore many hats throughout his life. He proudly served his community as a Reserve Police Officer for the Spiro Police Department and as a Volunteer Firefighter for the Spiro Fire Department. He worked as a bus mechanic for Spiro Schools for 28 years. Marvin loved hunting and fishing and always looked forward to his guys’ fishing trips to Sardis Lake. He enjoyed spending time at the casino, playing poker and card games—often taking his friends’ money with a smile. A skilled trader, Marvin took pride in his impressive firearms collection and was known for always getting the better end of a deal.A proud veteran of the United States Army, Marvin also loved riding his motorcycle and sharing stories of his adventures. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who deeply loved his family and never missed an opportunity to tell others how proud he was of them. He absolutely loved having his family around and spending time with them—even if he kept turning up the volume on the TV louder than everyone else.Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Betty Morton; children Wesley Morton and wife Sheila, William Morton and wife Dyana, and Ladonna Hughart and husband Bransen; grandchildren Charity Morton and husband Jesse, Brooklyn Varnell and husband Trey, Blaine Morton and wife Hannah, Hunter Morton, and Mason Hughart; great-grandchildren Cameron Schaffer, Collier Varnell and Zella Morton; siblings Peggy Self, Jackie Morton, Kenny Morton, Roger Morton, George Morton, and Charlotte Williams; nieces, Sue Ritchie and Barbara Ritchie; as well as a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parentsi Minnie Belle and John Jackson Morton; brothers Steve Morton, Joe Morton, and Mike Morton; cousin, Gerry Vick; and honorary son, Jimmy Morgan.Pallbearers are Steve McCleary, Turb Buckner, Randall Morton, Joe Thompson, Jacob Morton, and Justin Madewell. Honorary pallbearers are Trey Varnell, Jesse Morton, Hunter Morton, Mason Hughart, and Blaine Morton.Viewing and visitation is Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
You may leave an online message at www.MalloryMartinFuneralHomeSpiro.com.
Patricia Lavern Green
Patricia Lavern Green, 83, of Wister passed away Oct. 27, 2025, in Wister and was born April 27, 1942, in Red Oak to Vidella (Bales) Woodruff and Hubert Eddie Woodruff.
A Celebration of Life is Tuesday at 7th Day Church of God in Wister with Ken Stoltz and Jarrod Ford officiating. Burial followed at Peachland Cemetery in Bengal, under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau.
Surviving family members are her husband, Everett Green; son Eddie Green and wife Sue; daughter, Teresa Ann Green-Heberbrand; grandchildren Preston Green, Brandon Green, Nicole Stewart, Cheneen Lucas Francis, Tonya Hagler, Chad Lucas, and Timothy Heberbrand; numerous great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, William Woodruff; and sisters Susie Volt and Gail Coufal.
Pallbearers are Tanner Hagler, Job Hagler, Preston Green, Brandon Green, Chad Lucas, and Clay Armstrong. Honorary pallbearers are Timothy Heberbrand, Mason Green, and Virgil Green.
Family and friends may leave online messages of condolence at www.evansandmillerfuneralhome.com.
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.