By Evan Mantyk Before the communists, the study of Chinese history was traditionally quite profound. It mapped out a detailed life cycle of an empire, or dynasty, like the life of an organism.

“I love the infantry because they are the underdogs. They are the mud-rain-frost-and-wind boys. They have no comforts, and they even learn to live without necessities. And in the end, they are the guys that wars can’t be won without.” Ernie Pyle

Last week we ran a story about WWII veterans and Holdenville resident Colonel Astor Morris. I knew Astor and his wife Serena so well and thought a lot of both of them.

.

.

.

Barker Optimistic After Spring Drills Holdenville Head Football Coach, David Barker, expressed his enthusiasm after putting the 2026 Wolverines through a series of Spring drills. The Wolverines finished their spring workouts with a team camp at Dibble and according to the folks who were there, Holdenville was the best team on the field.

.

HOLDENVILLE, Okla. — Baptist Village Communities (BVC) recently honored Holdenville resident Linda Gibbs with the prestigious Legacy of Love Award in recognition of her ext raordinary dedication, leadership, and decades of faithful service to the ministry. The award was presented by Dr. Bill Pierce during a special recognition ceremony celebrating Gibbs’ lasting impact on Baptist Village Communities and the countless lives touched through her service. Gibbs has served on the Baptist Village Communities Board of Directors for 26 years, holding various leadership roles throughout her tenure, including multiple terms as Board chair. Her leadership, guidance, and commitment have played a significant role in the continued growth and ministry of Baptist Village Communities across Oklahoma.

Dolores Joan Ingram (Rusty) passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, at the age of 92. She was a long-time resident of Holdenville, moving to Shawnee in 2017 after the death of her husband, W.D. (Dub) Ingram. She was also predeceased by her parents, Thomas Adams and Edith Tanner Adams Ramsey, and her first son, Thomas David Ingram. Dolores was born December 3, 1933, at Springer, Oklahoma.