NEW BUILDING UPDATE - The Holdenville Chamber of Commerce received an informative progress report on the new Security State Bank building under construction at the corner of Hinckley and Oliphant. Kim Carr, SSB Senior Vice President/Marketing Officer, explained she and SSB Vice President Aubie Keesee have been in charge of the project from the ground up, including the design and floor plan, joking that they are still picking out stuff.

Holdenville American Legion Post 32 Adjutant Jeff Hinze shared the news about a new location the local veteran’s organization is moving to with the Holdenville Chamber of Commerce during their luncheon meeting on Thursday, March 18. This building will be used for the Post’s monthly meetings, to provide services to veterans, and host special events for the community.

Eagle Scout Upgrades Cross Country Course Brandynn Coleman is on his way to becoming an Eagle Scout! The Holdenville High School senior has completed his Eagle Scout project and is in the final stages of achieving the highest rank in scouting. Brandynn’s Eagle Scout service project will be viewed by over 1000 cross country athletes this fall and it will continue to be viewed every fall for years to come! Brandynn’s project establishes the mark that every cross country runner delights in seeing because the soon to be Eagle Scout has replaced the old finish line shoot with a state of the art finish line arch! Every runner who comes around the last curve in Holdenville’s cross country course will strive to be the first to make it to the new shiny arch that will stand at the end of their long grueling race.

Voters in Hughes County who want to have absentee ballots mailed to them for the April 6, 2021 Board of Education and Statutory Municipal General Election should apply now, County Election Board Secretary Brandy Davis said today. Although the County Election Board can accept applications for absentee ballots until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 30 , Davis urged voters who want to vote by absentee ballot to apply early.

Wolverine Softball Team Wins Big The Holdenville Wolverine softball team opened the 2021 season with an impressive 15-1 win over Stonewall. Four Wolverine batters sent the ball over the fence for home runs.

Brenda Sue Gooden entered her eternal home on March 3, 2021 at the age of 69 years 6 months 7 days. A private family memorial will be held at a later date, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service, Purcell.

Carolyn Ruth Loyless passed peacefully from this life on Friday, February 26, 2021, at the age of 75. Carolyn was a native of Calvin, born to Bill and Ruth Boyce on August 19, 1945.

It is so good to see Joyce Brinlee up and around. For three months she has been very sick and was in the hospital for several weeks. She wants to thank everyone for their prayers and added “they worked!”… …I learned this past week that my friend and classmate Lyndle Ellis is in the hospital in Tulsa. Lyndle was one of the outstanding baseball players of the 1965 HHS State Championship baseball team…..I was in Calvin recently and had the opportunity to visit with my longtime friend Sue Chapman. She is one of the finest Christian ladies I have ever known. Her late husband Amos was also a fine Christian gentleman and I would often drive to Calvin just to buy my gas at their station. Sue’s daughter, Terri is an incredible pianist. I learned from Sue that she is on YouTube and Dayna and I plan on watching her performance this weekend. If you would like to hear her music, go to Terri Chapman Haynie. You will be glad you did….Had a great visit with Bob and Carol Irby Friday. I hadn’t seen them in quite a while. Bob and I have been best friends since our school days….He was also best man at my wedding…over 40 years ago! ….I was in Tecumseh recently and saw Kerry Brinlee. We had a really good visit. His wife is the former Becky Smith. He told me his dad Curtis is doing good but is not getting out much. He has been a good friend for many years and I always enjoy visiting with him…..Daylight Donuts is one of our family’s favorite places to go. Owner Mary Chronister is such a great lady and always upbeat. My grandson Augie and I went in Saturday morning and Mary said, “You are five minutes late!” I thought she meant they were out of donuts, but it was something much more unusual. One of her customers had brought a baby kangaroo into the shop. There were several kids in there at the time and they loved it. She promised to call me when the owner brings it back. That kangaroo is living proof that business in Holdenville is really “hopping.”…. My close friend Phillip Wood stopped by the office Saturday and we had a good visit. Phillip is one of the finest gentlemen I have ever known and also one of the best harmonica players I have ever heard…..A special thank you to my good friends Jack and Beverly Chapman for their help on an article from the past that I recently found without a date…..

(Editor’s note: Graphic details follow about the reality of human sacrifice by the Aztecs to their gods. The Aztecs “... sacrificed daily in the belief that the sun would not rise otherwise,” according to Lisa Lucero, a researcher and archaeologist.

“How may I serve you?” The young girl working in the fast food restaurant asked me that question the other day: She didn›t ask «What would you like to eat?» or say «I›m ready to take your order.» She said she wanted to serve me. At least that’s what she said-- and it proved to be true.