The Holdenville City Council will hold its regularly scheduled meeting tonight. There will be several items of note to discuss, among them a raise for fire department employees. The council will also be discussing the recent increase to the city share of 911 dispatch costs. The item that will more than likely be the most controversial discussion of the evening comes just two weeks after the city council voted to revoke the benefit of a take home vehicle for the chief of police. Tonight, the council will be voting on whether or not to change the city ordinance concerning the position of chief of police entirely. Under the previous Mayor, Beverly Rodgers, the ordinance concerning the position of chief of police and the city clerk was changed from being an elected position to appointed or hired. She, along with those serving on the council at the time, believed that changing the position from elected to hired would take the politics out of the position and also allow the council to find the best qualified candidates possible for the position. Many in the community felt it took away their voice and rights as citizens to choose their elected leaders. Under the current Holdenville City ordinance 5-1-2, “the chief of police shall be appointed by the mayor, with approval of the city council, along with other police officers as the mayor and council deem necessary. (1985 Code § 13-401)” After a vote of last year’s city council, the chief of police can also live up to 60 miles outside the city limits of Holdenville. If the change is approved tonight (September 21), the position of chief of police will be elected by the citizens of Holdenville in an election and be required to live within the city limits. The city clerk position will not be affected by this vote. This item has been placed on the agenda after major public opposition and criticism to the police department by a city councilman and a member of his family on social media. Sources tell us that the dispute began over a major disagreement between officers and the city councilman over arresting procedures and protocols. Shortly after the dispute, three officers resigned from the police department. Less than 48 hours later, after meeting with the personnel committee and the chief of police, two of them asked if they could return to work. Both have returned to work as of last Saturday night. Last month (August), the Holdenville Police Department answered 505 calls for service and made 43 arrests. The News will have the full story of what was discussed and what decisions were made concerning the position of chief of police in next week’s edition.

Friday, September 24 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Non-Livestock Entries Accepted (crafts, quilts, canning, etc.) Monday, September 27 8:00 - 12:00 Exhibit building closed to the public for judging of entries listed below: • 4-H Exhibit Judging • Horticulture Judging • Field Crop Judging • Craft Judging • Poultry Judging 1:00 pm Building will be opened to the public after the judging has been completed 2:00 - 4:00 pm Poultry and Rabbit entries accepted (Show Barn) 4:30 pm Spelling Bee (Exhibit Building) 5:00 pm Poultry/Rabbit Judging in Show Ring (Tabletop Show) released after show 6:30 pm Pet Parade sponsored by HALO at Buck Pavillion Donations will be accepted to help Holdenville Animal Shelter during the fair. This is a Community Service Project sponsored by the Hughes County 4-H Clubs.

The Holdenville School Board held their regularly scheduled meeting last week. The first order of business was to appoint Terry Swayze to fill seat 1 of the school board which was left vacant by the resignation of Kristina Wells at the last school board meeting. Terry has been a resident of Holdenville for almost 20 years and a major supporter of Holdenville and the Holdenville School district. He has not only history here, but experience as well. Terry served on the school board for ten years from 2009-2019. The board voted unanimously to appoint. He is a familiar and welcomed face to the leadership of Holdenville Public Schools.

Filing unopposed, Ron Wiseman set to take office in November for Ward 3 City Council seat. 4 Republicans and 1 Democrat have filed to run for the vacant District 3 County Commissioner Seat. They are Dale Stringer (R), Bill Spray (R), Josh Tatum (R), Jim Lively (R), and Larry Howard (D). Special Primary Election set for November 9, 2021. Special General Election set for February 8, 2022.

Early voting begins Thursday September 9 for voters in Hughes County. Voters who will not be able to make it to the polls on Election Day, have the option of voting early at their County Election Board.

September, 17 2021, is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the October 12th Special Elections Moss School District And Calvin School District, Hughes County Election Board Secretary Brandy Davis said today.

FELONIES Bourne, Cameron — Burglary in the First Degree Brunson, Walter Shane — Burglary, Second Degree Collins, Crystal Michell — Grand Larceny Duncan, Jqames Anthony — Grand Larceny Gaskins, Sumer Nicole — Assault & Batter with a Dangerous Weapon Hooper, Jonathan Edward — Knowingly Receiving or Concealing Stolen Property Wyatt, Misty Merrell — Harboring a Fugitive from Justice MISDEMEANORS Hooper, Jonathan Edward — Possession of Credit Card Belonging to Another Williams, Elizabeth — Possession of CDS-Methamphetamine CIVIL Synchrony Bank vs Delafuente, Ann — Indebtedness Jefferson Capital Systems vs Fixico, Hildean – Indebtedness Oklahoma Tax Commission vs Lee Jason — Tax Enforcement SMALL CLAIMS C&S Sales LLC vs Baca, Jacob Becerra, Armando vs Dinwiddie, Jade Becerra, Armando vs Prewett, Chassity Rose TRAFFIC Bates, Harley Dakota Joe – Seat Belt Berg, Zachery Lee – Speeding 36 mph or More over Limit Berg, Zachery Lee – Operating Motor Vehicle Without Valid Drivers’ License Burnell, Jennifer Rae – Seat Belt Cellars, Roger Wayne – Seat Belt Cheatwood, Micah Michelle – Speeding 1-10 mph Over Limit Cowell, Kristen Nicole – Failure to Wear Seat Belt Deery, Matthew Palmer – Speeding 1-10 mph Over Limit Dinwiddie, Dena – Speeding 11-15 mph Over Limit Feliciano, Joshua Joel – Speeding 16-20 mph Over Limit Harrington, Jacklyn Tamn – Speeding 16-20 mph Over Limit McCollom, Sarah Elizabeth – Speeding 11-15 mph Over Limit McKee, Hunter Garrette – Seat Belt Norman, Jennifer – Speeding 11-15 mph Over Limit.

Governor Kevin Stitt has called a special election to fill a vacancy in the office of Hughes County Commissioner District 3, Hughes County Election Board Secretary Brandy Davis said today. The special primary election will be held November 9, 2021.

These are times when statistics can be startling and bring clarity to an underlying problem. Recently, a U.S. Federal Reserve study revealed that half of Americans spend more than they earn. 25% cannot pay all of their regular bills each month, and half of Americans cannot come up with $400 in cash to cover an emergency. Ironically, these statistics come from the Federal government made up of leaders in Congress who don’t seem to be able to balance a budget or pay our commitments within the revenue they bring in.