This column will offend many dog lovers. Please accept my apologies in advance. I myself am a dog lover. I believe dogs are among the very best creations on Earth. Fewer things provide more pleasure than a loving relationship with a well-trained and well-behaved dog. But, the hardest part of training dogs is training their human masters.

On August 15, 2024, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Holdenville celebrated a momentous occasion as Cyntha Gilkes Ayres was ordained as a bi-vocational priest by Bishop Paulson Reed of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma. The ordination ceremony was a deeply spiritual event, filled with the reverence and tradition of the Episcopal Church, marking a significant milestone in Vicar Ayres’ lifelong journey of faith.

At the August 20th Holdenville City Council meeting, Holdenville General Hospital (HGH) CEO Steve Stewart presented a positive outlook on the hospital’s recent developments, despite ongoing financial challenges. While the hospital recorded a financial loss in July, Stewart noted that the loss was smaller than expected and an improvement compared to the same period last year.

Wetumka, OK — On August 21, 2024, Brent McGee, a former Athletic Director and Alternative Education Instructor at Wetumka High School, was arrested by Agents from the District 22 Criminal Investigations Unit, District 22 Drug and Violent Crimes task Force, and the Hughes County Sheriff’s Office.

Responsible for greeting all visitors and callers in a professional manner and making appropriate referrals. Responsible for promoting a positive image of the agency to the general public as well as employees. Determines eligibility of applications for services and processes necessary forms and documents to enable service delivery. Provides clerical support as needed when conducive to other responsibilities, giving priority to the person in charge of the site. Enters data, collects and organizes information for program operations. Must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Must display good decorum in dealing with visitors as well as on the telephone. Must have good computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft word, Excel and G-mail. Experience in receptionist and secretary skills desirable. Ability to work in a fast-paced multi-tasks environment. Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload. Applicants must pass a drug/alcohol screen, a motor vehicle check, OSBI criminal background check, and have a current valid Oklahoma driver’s license. Apply online at www.bigfive.org . EOE/AA

According to the latest data from the VA, the average disability rating for veterans who have been granted claims under the PACT Act stands at 70%. This follows the largest outreach campaign in VA history, which saw veterans and survivors submit a record-breaking 2.4 million claims applications in 2023—a 39% increase from the previous year. This momentum is expected to continue in 2024.

In a lengthy and at times tense meeting, the Holdenville City Council voted to approve a five-year contract with Wright Water to take over operations at the city’s water plant. The decision followed extensive discussion among council members, city staff, and representatives from Wright Water, with the final motion passing unanimously after overcoming significant concerns.

At the recent Holdenville City Council meeting, a critical issue concerning the city’s livestock ordinances was addressed. A discrepancy between two existing regulations was at the center of the discussion. The current ordinance allows residents to own livestock within city limits, provided they purchase a permit. However, this conflicts with a zoning ordinance that prohibits livestock ownership within 500 feet of a residence.

Holdenville head football coach, David Barker, is somewhat pleased with his team’s first week of practice. The veteran coach used the term cautiously excited to describe his feeling about his team’s performance in the hot August sun.

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