A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE ALPHA MOTHERS CLUB for their yearly donation of toys to the Holdenville Fire Department to be given to area children in the Toys for Tots campaign. They are such a blessing. Pictured above are Front Row (L-R): Shirley Harkey, Ina Reams, Sharon Dilday, Helen Lindsey, and Alice Olivo. Back Row (L-R): Loita Sharp, Rev. Kris Mayberry, Jerrye Giles, Marsha Salazar, and JoDawna Smith. Pick up for the Toys for Tots gifts will be December 23 at the Holdenville Civic Center, 124 N. Creek from 6:00-8:00pm. Full inforrmation about donating to Toys for Tots on page A-2.

In what can only be described as a win for the citizens of Holdenville, the city council in the December 7, 2021 meeting last Tuesday, in a close vote, restored the right of the people to vote for their chief of police. In a meeting held on November 20, 2018, the Holdenville city council amended ordinance 866, relating to elected officials. In the past, a town marshal was elected by a vote of the people and the city council then voted to appoint the town marshal as chief of police, under standing the two offices to be one and the same. The revised 866 ordinance redefined the duties of town marshal to be, “1. Attend meetings of the City Council and assist in the maintenance of order among the attendees., 2. Head up all parades organized by the City, 3. Organize, or direct others to organize, and coordinate traffic control for funeral processions, and 4. Have such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.”

The News learned just before press time that Julie Allen West has filed to run for the vacant Ward 1 Holdenville City Council seat..

MANY AREA CHURCHES ARE CELEBRATING THE SEASON with special Christmas programs. This past Sunday, the Holdenville Nazarene worship leaders presented a beautiful Advent cantata. Leaders pictured are: Allen Bridgen, Catherine Brigden, Dayna Robinson, Shelby Haugh, Darla Coats, Lorelei Schroyer, and Ed Schroyer. Not pictured: Becky Shields.