If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

LeFlore County commissioners met in a regular business meeting Monday with Chairman Jamie Oliver presiding. Also present were Member Josh Blaylock, Interim Member Mike Parker and 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 September 29, 2025. Motion was approved, all voting yes.

(3.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to approve purchase orders as presented. Motion was approved, all voting yes.

(4.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to approve monthly fee reports as presented by County Clerk, Solid Waste, and Health Department. Motion was approved, all voting yes.

(5.) Motion was made by Mike Parker and seconded by Jamie Oliver to approve transfer of appropriations in the amount of $ 27,127.80 from Highway District 1,2,3 T-1A into Highway District T-1A 123 account. Motion was approved, all voting yes.

(6.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve blanket purchase orders as presented and are on file in the office of the County Clerk. Motion was approved, all voting yes.

(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 Mike Parker to approve resolution determining maximum monthly highway expenditures for October, 2025. Motion was approved, all voting yes.

(11.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to approve Treasurer’s Monthly Report of Officers for the month of September, 2025. Motion was approved, all voting yes.

(12.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve Proclamation recognizing October 2025 as 4H month in Leflore County. Motion was approved, all voting yes.

(13.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve resolution regarding selection of responsible Engineer for Leflore County Bridge Inspection, option 1 was chose, which allows each District to select their Engineer. Motion was approved, all voting yes.

(14.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to approve KEDDO Reap close out document and affidavit certifying Reap completion of KEDDO Reap K8029-24, in the amount of $69,454.55. Motion was approved, all voting yes.

(15.) Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to approve Purchase of 2017 Freightliner/1000 gpm/2500 gallon stainless steel Pumper/Tanker for $155,000.00. Motion was made, all voting yes.

NORTHEAST

Grand: October 5. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 72°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, docks, points, and rocks. Blue catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, and shad below the dam, docks, main lake, and river channel. Crappie fair on hair jigs and jigs below the dam, brush structure, and docks. Report submitted by Riley Willman, game warden stationed in Delaware County.

Kaw: October 6. Elevation is 4 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 80°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on crankbaits, flukes, jigs, live shad, minnows, sassy shad, spoons, and topwater lures below the dam, main lake, points, and riprap. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on cut bait, goldfish, live bait, live shad, sunfish, and worms below the dam and river channel. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Kay County.

Keystone: October 6. Elevation is 4 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 69°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass good on in-line spinnerbaits, plastic baits, and small lures around brush structure, points, shallows, and shorelines. Blue and channel catfish fair on live bait around main lake. Crappie fair on minnows around brush structure and docks. Report submitted by Tracer Wagner, game warden stationed in Creek County.

SOUTHEAST

Blue River: October 6. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 76°F and clear. (USGS Lake Level) Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass good on jerk baits, jigs, lipless baits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits, topwater lures, and tube jigs around brush structure, channels, creek channels, rocks, shorelines, standing timber, and weed beds. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, punch bait, shrimp, 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 4. Elevation is 5 ft. below normal and falling, water temperature 86°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, flukes, in-line spinnerbaits, plastic baits, spoons, and topwater lures around brush structure, main lake, points, river channel, and standing timber. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, and minnows around brush structure, points, and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Hugo: October 3. Elevation is 2 ft. below normal and stable, water temperature 76°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, jigs, lipless baits, plastic baits, and topwater lures around brush structure, coves, points, river channel, and standing timber. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, live bait, and stinkbait around channels, dam, main lake, and river channel. Crappie fair on minnows around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Chance Phillips, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.

Konawa: October 5. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 80°F and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits 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 coves, inlet, and riprap. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.

McGee Creek: October 3. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 74°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, jerk baits, jigs, and minnows around brush structure, flats, shallows, and standing timber. Channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, live bait, stinkbait, sunfish, and worms around channels, main lake, and rocks. Crappie fair on minnows, small lures, and tube jigs around brush structure, main lake, points, and standing timber. Report submitted by Shay Loudermilk, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Sardis: October 3. Elevation is 1 ft. below normal and stable, water temperature 79°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, lipless baits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, points, and standing timber. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on cut bait, shad, stinkbait, 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 5. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 76°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Striped bass good on live shad below the dam, channels, main lake, and points. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, dough bait, live shad, and punch bait below the dam, coves, docks, and river mouth. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, and nymphs around brush structure, coves, docks, and standing timber. Comments: Fishing this week has been good. Striper are biting very well below the Denison Dam on live shad. The main lake has been good the last few days as well. Catfish are good on live bait and cut bait near channels and ledges. Crappie are biting on minnows and jigs around brush piles. Report submitted by Garrett Beam, game warden stationed in Marshall County.

It’s not common for LeFlore County to have one of the top football games in Oklahoma.

It’s even rarer for there to be two of the top games in the state. But that was the case Friday night as a pair of undefeated teams in Ada and Poteau hooked up at Costner Stadium and Pocola hosted top-ranked and defending state champion Rejoice Christian.

Both the county teams came up short in those games as did Heavener, which visited Prague for the first time since a playoff game in 1971, and Spiro is still winless after a loss to Valliant.

The only county team to come out with a win Friday was Talihina, the top-ranked team in Class A-II. The Golden Tigers improved to 5-0 overall and 2-0 in district play with a 61-7 romp over Gore, now 2-3 and 1-1. Talihina visits Central next week in another district game.

Arkoma had a bye and returns to action next week, opening district play at home against Gans.

Poteau, 4-1 and 1-1, kept the game close early before Ada, now 5-0 and 2-0, pulled away later in the contest. The Pirates will get an opportunity to add another win next week when they visit winless Glenpool, which is coached by former Poteau assistant Peyton Werner.

Pocola, now 3-2 and 1-1, returns to district play at Hulbert.

Heavener had a shot to remain atop the district standings with a win at Prague. But the Wolves struggled in falling to 1-4 and 1-1. Prague is 3-2 and 1-1. After Friday’s games, Kingston, Kiefer and Bethel are the only teams undefeated in district play through two weeks.

Heavener hosts Roland in the Wolves’ homecoming game next week. Prague visits Kiefer.

Panama stayed perfect in district play with an easy 40-14 victory over Hulbert. The Razorbacks are 4-1 and 2-0 heading into a big challenge next week at Rejoice Christian.

Heavener homecoming courts for Friday night’s homecoming for football and band. Ceremonies start at 6 p.m. with the football game kicking off at 7 p.m.

Football

Band

Weather forecast for Thursday is for partly cloudy skies early with the skies clearing away for the afternoon and overnight for Heavener, LeFlore County and the area.

The high is forecast to be 81 degrees with a low of 54.

Sunrise was 7:19 a.m. Sunset is 6:51 p.m.

See our live weather radar

Wednesday’s high was 78 with a low of 61. The total rainfall so far for the month is .35. October’s average rainfall is 4.80 inches.

Average temperatures for Oct. 9 are a high of 78 and low of 48. Records for the date were a high of 92 in 1975 and a low of 28 in 1970.

Last year on Oct. 9, the high was 86 with a low of 50.

Calendar of events for today for Heavener, LeFlore County, southeastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas. The calendar is a free service for our readers. If you are with a non-profit and want an event publicized, CONTACT us.

Thursday

Cross country: Heavener cross country meet

State softball and baseball meets

Celebration of life service for Ricky Don Darneal

Poteau Kiwanis Club meets noon

See the calendar for the next week HERE.

1967

Che Guevara is executed

On October 9, 1967, socialist revolutionary and guerrilla leader Che Guevara, age 39, is killed by the Bolivian army. The U.S.-military-backed Bolivian forces captured Guevara on October 8 while battling his band of guerrillas in Bolivia and executed him the following day. His hands were cut off as... read more

Arts & Entertainment

1946

“The Iceman Cometh,” by Eugene O’Neill, opens on Broadway

Colonial America

1635

Rhode Island founder banished from Massachusetts

Crime

1942

A Chicago bootlegger escapes from prison

European History

1974

Oskar Schindler—credited with saving 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust—dies

1975

Andrei Sakharov wins Nobel Peace Prize

Inventions & Science

1936

Hoover Dam begins transmitting electricity to Los Angeles

1988

Rotary engine inventor Felix Wankel dies

1992

Meteorite crashes into Chevy Malibu

Natural Disasters & Environment

1963

Landslide kills thousands in Italy

Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center will celebrate international archaeology day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18.

This family-oriented event is free and open to the public.Kids can learn about the tools of archaeology, prehistoric foods and participate in a variety of activities, including pottery puzzles, artifact sorting and a scavenger hunt. Admission to the event will be free for all ages as the site undergoes improvement projects.Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center is the only prehistoric Native American archaeological site in Oklahoma that is open to the public. For more information, call (918) 962-2062 or visit okhistory.org/spiromounds. The site is located at 18154 1st Street in Spiro.

The Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications, the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit okhistory.org.

Jarred Bryan Lacy, 37, of Spiro visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Mallory-Martin Funeral Home in Spiro. Cremation is under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home of Spiro.

Jarred was born Aug. 1, 1988, in Carrollton, Texas, the first child and only son of Angela Dawn (Stephens) Lacy and Larry Bryan Lacy. He passed away unexpectedly Oct. 4, 2025, in Pryor.

In his youth, he was a Boy Scout, he loved Legos, and building elaborate cityscapes and racetracks in the sandbox. He was a bright and intelligent young man with a captivating smile.

As he matured, he found interest in video games, war history and James Bond movies. He inherited a love of cars from his father, enjoying both classic American and import car culture. He was an avid gun enthusiast and enjoyed collecting firearms. He also enjoyed riding ATVs and taking his kids on four-wheeling excursions in his Jeep. Most importantly, he was a loving father to his children and always looked forward to spending time with them.

Jarred considered becoming a pilot but ultimately chose a career in welding. After completing his training at Tulsa Welding School, he embarked on a career that allowed him to pursue his passions for adventure, camping, and travel. He converted a Greyhound bus into an RV, which became his home on wheels during his work trips.

Surviving family members are his son, Cole Bryan Lacy; his daughters Scarlett Mae Lacy and Sloane Addison Lacy; his parents Bryan and Angie Lacy; his sisters Kendra Lacy, and Kellie Harper and husband Wes; his nephew, Barrett Harper; the mother of his children; Drew Clark and husband Doug; as well as numerous other relatives, friends and loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Thomas Bryan Lacy, Jr. and Thelma Patterson Lacy; and his maternal grandparents Bennie Stephens and Donna Briggs Hamilton.

Please feel free to share fond memories of Jarred or condolences by leaving an online message at www.MalloryMartinFuneralHomeSpiro.com.

Memorial graveside service for Eddie Earl Fitzgerald, Jr., 55, of Pocola is 10 a.m. Saturday at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa, Texas, under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home in Spiro.Eddie was born Feb. 21, 1970, in Odessa, Texas, to Gloria Durlene (Dill) Fitzgerald and Eddie Earl Fitzgerald, Sr. He passed away Oct. 3, 2025, in Pocola.He was preceded in death by his parents.Eddie proudly served his country as a Gulf War Veteran in the United States Army. He worked as a truck driver and truly enjoyed his career on the road. Eddie loved spending time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He was the youngest in his family and had a special bond with his mother — often lovingly referred to as a “mama’s boy.” He faced a long battle with cancer with courage and strength.He is survived by his brother, Robin LeRoy and wife Shari; his sister, Vivian Callahan; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and loved ones.You may leave an online message at www.MalloryMartinFuneralHomeSpiro.com

Robert Otis “Bobby” Morrison of Heavener was born Sept. 23, 1944 in Howe to Otis and Olive (Byford) Morrison and went home to be with his Lord Oct. 6, 2025 in Fort Smith, Arkansas at the age of 81.

Funeral service is 10 a.m. Friday at the Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener with Brother Sam Dyer officiating. Burial will follow in Howe Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Poteau DAV Chapter #63 under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.

Bobby, a lifelong resident of area, worked on the Rock Island Railroad, and a devoted member of the Baptist faith, passed away surrounded by his loved ones. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 188. Known for his adventurous spirit, he spent countless hours hunting and fishing, embracing the beauty of the outdoors. Bobby’s greatest joy came from the time he shared with family and friends. A proud veteran, Bobby served his country honorably during the Vietnam era, dedicating four years to the United States Navy followed by twelve years in the United States Army. On special request, Bobby was one of the first commissioned on the BB-62 Battleship, when it came out of retirement. He was not only a beloved father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend but also a pillar of strength and support to everyone who knew him. Bobby’s generous heart and joyful presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Surviving family members are two daughters Rachel Strother and husband Jake of Hatfield, Arkansas, and Robbie Christmas and husband Steve of Van Buren, Arkansas; five sons Nicholas Morrison and wife Kaycee of Heavener, Steven Morrison of Van Buren, Arkansas, Bobby Morrison and wife Tanya of Panama, Barb Morrison of Stigler, and William Morrison and wife Roberta of Fort Smith, Arkansas; one sister, Alice Gullick, of Mena, Arkansas; one brother, James Morrison, of Howe; eight grandchildren Meisha Edwards and husband Cody, Jessica McDonald, Taylor Strother, Maria Morrison, Cordale Morrison, Baylee Morrison, Kari Morrison, Gabe McAffee and wife Erika; 11 great-grandchildren Kodyn, Keynslee, Kainyn Edwards, Riley and Adley Leatherwood, Hudson and Emersyn McAffee, Calvin Morrison, Everleigh Strother, and Rosaleigh Strother; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ellen Diana Morrison; two sisters Shirley Storment and Christine Smith; three brothers Gary, Allen and Ike Morrison; and two granddaughters.

Pallbearers are Taylor Strother, Cordale Morrison, Gabe McAffee, James Morrison, Joey Watkins, Jake Strother and Casey Goodyear.

Viewing is from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday. The family will visit with friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

To sign Bobby’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.

Ricky Don Darneal, 68, of Pocola passed away Oct. 5, 2025 in Fort Smith, Arkansas and was born July 16, 1957, in Panama to Francis Charlene Butler and Edward Darneal.

A Celebration of Life is 10 a.m. Thursday at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau with Jarrod Ridenour officiating. Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery in Cameron, under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Diana Darneal; daughter, Kindra Darneal; grandson, Tatum Lomon; granddaughter, Piper Riggs; sisters Becky Seaton and husband Dewayne, Jo Hunt and husband John, and Criss Urchison and husband Lawrence; his “blood brother” Ricky Ward; mother-in-law, Wanda Woods; sister-in-law, Deborah Howard; and brothers-in-law: Kenneth Woods and wife Hollie, and Gary Woods.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Francis Charlene Darneal; Father-in-law Edgar Woods; and brothers-in-law Michael Howard and Eddie Woods.

Viewing is Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Pallbearers are Ricky Ward, Dewayne Seaton, Tatum Lomon, Eddie Seaton, Harlan Hale and Jason Gist. Honorary pallbearers are Dewayne Hanna, Tyler Seaton, Rylan Riggs, Gary Gist, Ron Riddle and Ralph Harrison.

You may leave an online message of condolence at www.evansandmillerfuneralhome.com

Patsy Ruth Elder, 90, of the Glendale community in Heavener was born June 4, 1935 in the Independence community in Heavener to Elmo and Bertha (Victor) Sims and passed away Sept. 30, 2025 surrounded by her loving family in Heavener.

Funeral services were Saturday at Mt. View Baptist Church in the Glendale community with Reverend Tim Trent officiating. Interment followed at Mt. View Cemetery, under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home.

Patsy, a cherished member of the community and devoted homemaker, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love and creativity. She attended Independence School and Heavener School, and was a faithful member of Mt. View Baptist Church. Patsy had a passion for crocheting, crafting, quilting, sewing, and bird watching, and she found joy in exploring yard sales. Above all, she deeply loved her family and treasured every moment spent with them. Patsy will be profoundly missed by all who knew her and held her dear.

She is survived by two daughters Carolyn Jones and husband Freddy, and Chris Benson and husband Ronnie; three sons Joe Elder, Cy Elder, and Lynn Elder and wife Tracie; one sister, Glenda Elder; one sister-in-law, Atha Sims; 14 grandchildren Wes Jones, Rhonda Gatchek, Russell Elder, Toby Benson, Rocky Benson, Brad Benson, Sam Elder, Kristen Ferguson, Devon Elder, Danica Elder, Danetta Elder, Dalton Elder, Randy Elder and Michael Elder; several great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loved ones, and a host of many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Morris Elder; two infant sons; two sisters Verna Blackwell and Gracie Crownover; and two brothers Lloyd Sims and Hershel Sims.

Pallbearers were her grandsons. Honorary pallbearers were Bret Martin, Thomas “TJ” Hall and Jason Forsburg.

To sign Patsy’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.

Michelle Racine Brown, 45, of Poteau passed away Sept. 30, 2025, in Poteau and was born Feb. 4, 1980, in Wilburton.

A Celebration of Life service was Monday at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau with Jim Cook officiating. Funeral followed at the Page Cemetery, under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau.

Survivors are her husband, Keith Brown; daughters Keily Brown and her fiancé Patrick Farrar, and Lily Brown; sister, Beth Bryeans; and uncle, Jeff Bryeans.

Messages of condolence may be left at www.evansandmillerfuneralhome.com.