In the world I grew up in, Santa Claus was magic. He wasn’t just a story, a decoration, or a character in a book. He was anticipation; he was mystery. He was the feeling of going to bed with excitement fluttering in your chest because something wonderful was about to happen.

Rudolph “Rudy” Wayne Troup, Jr., O.D., passed away on Nov. 18, 2025, at 81 years of age. He was a devoted husband, father, friend, coach and deeply committed to his faith. He was born on Nov. 5, 1944, in Kansas City, MO, and raised in Holdenville, OK. Rudy displayed leadership from a young age as his high school’s quarterback and carried that same team spirit, determination, and optimism with him throughout his life.

James Edward ‘Sonny’ Williams passed away in OKC on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the age of 70 years. Sonny is the son of Jess & Pauline (Harjo) Wiliams, born on November 16, 1955, in Seminole, Oklahoma.

HOLDENVILLE — Monday morning’s meeting of the Hughes County Commissioners carried a serious tone as a representative of the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) to address the condition of the Hughes County Assessor’s Office and the county’s recent designation as Category III non-compliant by the State Board of Equalization (SBOE).

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Letters to Santa have started arriving but the following one will be hard to top . . .

Building Fellowship and Support on Friday Evenings Barnard Memorial United Methodist Church (BMUMC) is delighted to announce the launch of “A Table for All,” a new community meal program. designed to foster connection, hospitality, and support for individuals and families in our area.

Now that I am on the downhill slide toward celebrating 90 years on this earth, seems I come up with more advice for others. Not that I adhere to any or any of these suggestions, but some of them sounded like fun.

“And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name: ‘Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!’” Clement C. Moore A Visit from St. Nicholas