A BASKETFUL of chocolate eggs, marshmallow bunnies and jelly beans is a common sight we associate with Easter. But the day on which Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus is not just another excuse for candy. It’s the most significant event on the church calendar.

HUGHES COUNTY, OK – District Attorney Erik Johnson announced that Joshua Draper, 42, of Hughes County, was found guilty yesterday following a jury trial presided over by Associate District Judge Trisha Smith. Draper was convicted on multiple charges stemming from violent incidents that occurred on August 3, 2025.

Elizabeth Roberta Yahola passed away Friday, March 20, 2026, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma at the age of 84. Elizabeth was born in Pawnee, Oklahoma to Johnson Larney and Katy (Chupco) Larney.

Newton Wall was only 52 when he passed away in 1959. Upon his death, the Shawnee Newspaper wrote the following story.

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake and became as dead men.

Kimberly McNaughton, Library Director of the Grace M. Pickens Public Library, recently attended the 120th Annual Conference of the Oklahoma Library Association (OLA), thanks to a professional development grant funded by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.

Roberta Doris Wyatt was born in Hughes County, Oklahoma on September 12, 1929, to Millard Wyatt and Jewel (Griggs) Wyatt. She and her mom and dad moved frequently at times living in California, but mostly in the Hughes County area. She passed away March 19, 2026, at Heritage Village Nursing Home.

HOLDENVILLE — A Holdenville man was arrested March 6 on multiple charges, including driving under the influence of drugs and possession of controlled substances, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Hughes County District Court.

Virgie Crawford, age 87, of Amarillo, Texas and formerly of Holdenville, Oklahoma, passed away on March 29, 2026, with her son and daughterin- law, Mark and Kathy, by her side. She was born on May 2, 1938, in Lamar, Oklahoma, to Willie and Lula Beck.

We were recently learned from two individuals in Hughes County that they were approached by scammers. Here is an article outlining several scams and how to avoid them.