HOLDENVILLE WELCOMES ONE OF THE LARGEST GROUPS OF NEW TEACHERS AND SUPPORT STAFF IN RECENT HISTORY. WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT! FRONT ROW (L-R): Brittany Crosby, Shannon Brown, Rachel Ferree, Shelley Carter, Abby Christopher, Breanna Hill, Twila Grizzle, Julie Horton, Jedadiah Smith. BACK ROW (L-R): Morgan Bear, Brittany Stepp, Casey Carter, Peggy Mussler, Thomas Davis, Alicia Gonzalez, Melissa Walser, Thomas Walser, Jakob Gunter, Alicia Martch, Larry Sparkman, Tyson Jones, Kelsey Miller, Avery Jones, and Angel Worsham.

Hughes County District 3 County Commissioner Tommy Peak passed away Saturday. He was an outstanding public servant and dear friend to the publisher and the Holdenville News. He will be greatly missed, not only in his capacity as a commissioner, but as friend to many.

COVID-19 cases continue to surge in Hughes County. Three weeks ago there were a reported 25 new cases, two weeks ago another 37 new cases, and last week an additional 43 new cases in the county. There are approximately 100 new cases in Hughes County making it one of the highest case counts per capita in the State of Oklahoma. It has affected many people of all walks of life and is placing stress on the operation of many crucial institutions including the Hughes County Courthouse and several of the County’s public schools.

Old Geezers had another successful August luncheon at Smokin Joe’s Rib Ranch in Davis. I’m sure there were plenty of stories going around the table! You might want to join them; you’ll have a great time! Those present were: Maxie Carter, Gayle and Geneal Frederick, David Awtrey, Reggie Wells, George Kernek, Rosalia Mendoza, Denny Langdon, Billy Langdon, Greg Ruch, Greg Chancy, Bruce Graham, Mike Agan, Jerry Harwell, Penny Runyan, Mike Winningham, and Jimmy Langdon. Jim Jane Callison, regular attendee is in hospital in Purcell with covid. Thank you to Smokin’ Joe’s Rib Ranch.

The president returned to familiar turf inside the United States Capitol on Wednesday to meet with Democrat lawmakers to discuss the budget, a massive spending proposal that promises to plunge the country deeper into debt.

FELONY Brandon Drea Green OSW—burglary in the first degree MISDEMEANORS Samuel D. Golden OSW—domestic abuseassault and battery Isaiah Dale Pack— driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs Kevin Lynn Peace— protective order violation MARRIAGES Elgin Harold Fullbright Jr.

FROM START TO FINISH HOLDENVILLE STUDENTS BEGIN A NEW SCHOOL YEAR. AT THE STARTING LINE OF 1ST GRADE ABOVE IS MRS. LEDO’S CLASS: Back Row (L-R) Augie Robinson, Marty Gaskins, Sam Leftwich, Eli Gomez, Zayden Foster, Bailey Jones, Dru SMith and Mrs. Kelly Ledo. Middle Row (L-R): Brennan Maxwell, Piper Robinson, Blake Wardlow, Emmalyn Ellis, Bristol Langdon, and Brecklynn Crawford. Front Row (L-R): Raden Tillery, Channing Tucker, Daxton Robinson, Kade Johnson, Dash Merriman, and Emma Jett. PICTURED BELOW ABOUT TO CROSS THE FINISH LINE OF SENIOR YEAR IS MRS. JO’S ENGLISH CLASS Left Row: Emma Factor and Kelei Cook. Middle Row: Kacie Briones. Right Row: Albert Fixico, Howard Harjo, and Brooklyn Sullivan.

THURSDAY The annual Hughes County Free Fair will open to the public at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, September 2.

The Holdenville School Board held its monthly meeting August 9. Former teacher Diane Bennett open the meeting, addressing the school board about her concerns over a recent incident during her employment last school year and the need to address some of the current policies in place at Holdenville Schools.

Sales tax revenue returns for Hughes County were mixed in the latest report. Wetumka, Calvin, Stuart, Atwood and Yeager all showed an increase in business, while Holdenville, Dustin and Gerty saw a decrease in the latest report.