“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not so sure about the universe.” Albert Einstein Being the news junkie that I am, I found myself watching some of the Senate hearings last week, dumbfounded by the assortment of muttonheads in Congress. It reminded me of a concept that is worth writing about. It is called the Dunning- Kruger Effect. There is a good story here.

Ima Jean “Jean”(Davault) Phillips age 94, passed away in her home on March 21, 2025. She was born Feb 27, 1931 in Asher, OK to Martin and Gertrude (McAlister) Davault. She was raised in Noble, OK and graduated from Noble HS. After high school, she worked in a jewelry store and then Primrose Funeral Home both in Norman. This is where she later met her future husband, James G. “Jim” Phillips Jr. while working at the funeral home in Norman, OK. They were later married September 26, 1952 in Norman. They lived in Wellston, Comanche, and Edmond before moving their sons to what would be their forever home in Holdenville in 1962. They purchased Hudson Funeral Home and this is where they raised both sons in the funeral home. In 1977, they purchased Stout Funeral Home in Wewoka. Jean served her beloved community with Jim for many years until her health prevented it. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Holdenville where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. She actively served at Holdenville General Hospital as a Pink Lady, was active in Mother’s Club where she was a “fierce” dominoes player, and a Cub Scout Den Leader. Her greatest joy was her family. She spent many weekends enjoying sleepovers with her grandchildren, playing dominoes and cards with friends, and cooking Sunday dinners for the family.

Edith “Arlene” Lawson was born May 27, 1940 in Sickles, Oklahoma to J. D. Murchison and Clara (Smith) Murchison. She passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 in Oklahoma City at the age of 84. She married Buddy Lawson on November 16, 1959 in Durant, Oklahoma. They met in Binger, Oklahoma. Buddy was parked at a stop sign and Arlene crossed the street in front of him and it was love at first sight! She attended school at Binger and Lookeba-Sicles. She received her Bachelor’s Degree at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma.

Red Hat Ladies monthly luncheon was held March 8th at Sam’s Southern Eatery in Ada. Traci Ring was hostess she decorated the tables with a St. Patty’s theme. The table runner with Shamrocks was covered with Ferraro Rocher chocolates and Shamrocks. Each guest was treated to a green Leprechaun boot filled with chocolates and a pin to wear on St Patrick’s so we won’t get a pinch.

Tactic for beginning teachers Even after four years past retirement, my eyes and ears always perk up when I hear (or see) an incident that relates to teachers. This one has a double meaning.

The Oklahoma State Department of Education has released their Oklahoma School Report Cards for the 2023-24 school year. The information comes from testing done in the spring of 2024. According to www.schoolreportcards.ok.gov, report card measures serve as indicators of how public schools are serving students in a variety of areas. Measured at different points, indicators work together to provide a snapshot of school performance.

Denise Brown has officially filed as a candidate for the Holdenville City Council Ward 2 election, set to take place on April 1, 2025. With extensive experience in public service and a deep commitment to the community, Brown is eager to bring her expertise to the city council.

Mark Lee Davis passed away at his home in Ada, Oklahoma on Monday, March 17, 2025, at the age of sixty years. He has been a resident of Ada since 2008.

Mona C. Middleton passed from this life March 12, 2025 at Integris Hospital in Oklahoma City. She was born in 1958 in Holdenville, Oklahoma to Dale and W. Jeanne Middleton, The youngest of three children. She is preceded in death by her parents Dale and Jeanne, brother Brad Middleton, niece Mary Ann Middleton, paternal grandparents Ralph and Opal Middleton, and maternal grandmother Irma Maye Troup.