.

Judith Gayle Miller passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, surrounded by her family and friends. She was the daughter of Avis and Lytle Anderson of Alva, Oklahoma. Judy graduated from Alva High School in 1959 and continued her education at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, where she earned her degree in 1963.

Kernek Elmer McDonald, Kenny as some of you may know him, born 18 June 1957, in Holdenville, Oklahoma to Elmer and Hazel Marguerite (Wages) McDonald of Calvin, Oklahoma was raised as a mechanic and welder, Graduating as Valedictorian of his class in 1975, Kernek attended summer courses at Seminole Junior College, then joined the US Army in July 1975. Upon completion of Basic and AIT in Fort Polk, Louisiana, he was assigned at his home base, Fort Riley, Kansas, where he received beginning language courses to speak German. A transfer to several temporary stations in Europe resulted in receiving instruction of Rock Climbing and both Calm and White Water Kayaking, ending with an ascent of the Alpspitze in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Upon successful completion of that training, Kernek received French Commando training in Trier, Germany with the 5th Regiment.

Holdenville Public Schools Superintendent Randy Davenport was recently honored with the Floyd Johnson Award during this year’s Native American Convocation, recognizing his longtime dedication to education and leadership in Oklahoma schools.

.

.

By John Bill Martin Staff Writer In these trying times, it’s always good to take time for a good laugh, sometimes from unexpected sources. See if any of these fit your mood, past, present or future.

Wolverine Head Basketball Coach, Dillion Snow, has been chosen as the Head Coach of the 2026 East All-State Squad. The All-State Game will be played at UCO on July 29 at 7:30.

The Holdenville Wolverines traveled to Cashion last weekend for the regional track meet and two Wolverines placed high enough to qualify for state. KylieRae Leftwich threw the discus 108 feet and three inches and that was good enough to place third in the 3A Girls Division. Chris Palomera threw the discus 118 feet and 8 inches. Palomera’s throw put him in third place in the 3 A Boys competition. Both Leftwich and Palomera have qualified to throw at the State Meet In Catoosa on Friday.

I once read a story about a little French orphan girl named “Coco”. I didn’t think I had ever heard of “Coco’ but it was her nickname. She was born back in 1883. And besides that, she was a girl who was raised by nuns. She loved to sing and made a career in voice her dream but after many-many attempts she learned that she had no future in singing. I don’t know if she had any musical talent or perhaps just couldn’t sing. I’ve known a few people like that in the Baptist Church, but Coco knew it and got out of it before much time went by—probably to the relief of music lovers in the French Catholic Church where she sang in worship.