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“Oklahoma” – Time for the “God’s Honest Truth”
commentary
June 8, 2023
“Oklahoma” – Time for the “God’s Honest Truth”
By JOE DORMAN CEO-OICA

For the Children

OKLAHOMA CITY – For those of you who watch Ted Lasso, I promise no spoilers in this column.

_e Apple+ television show, for those of you who are not aware of the series, focuses three seasons on an American football coach who goes overseas to coach an English football (soccer) team. He has no experience with the rules of the game and the show plays out to where every person in the large cast has a moment or more of growth, including the coach _nally learning the rules of the game (okay, one spoiler).

As a coach, Ted Lasso inspires with a folksy, whimsical, always upbeat personality. He is an inspirational leader for the young players on his team, along with the co-workers and management around him. Unfortunately, people like the star, played by Jason Sudeikis, are not as plentiful in the world as we would like.

In the show, “Oklahoma” was a word Ted used in couple’s therapy with his wife. If invoked by someone, it obligated others to tell the “God’s honest truth.” It is time we talked “Oklahoma” about a situation here in our home state involving children.

We have tragically seen reports of recent abusive situations from multiple school districts and youth programs regarding adults alleged to have either performed, encouraged, or allowed horri_c acts involving the children they were charged with protecting.

Adults in admired leadership roles o_en build positively or negatively upon that “hero worship” given by old and young alike. Sometimes, adults in trusted positions lose sight of their responsibility to care for every child in their charge, or occasionally have malicious intent from the beginning.

Ultimately, the best way to keep your children safe is to be aware of the situations they are in and be involved in their lives. Growing up, we were warned of “stranger danger” by being on guard for adults not known who acted suspiciously, but it goes beyond that. O_en, the family knows the most dangerous people, and they purposely “groom” children by growing familiar with the child and placing themselves into a role where they become trusted.

_e Safe House Project has an excellent blog detailing ways “grooming” can happen at https://safehouseproject. org/ It is not just grooming that is dangerous. Hero worship can lead people into dangerous situations when young and old alike are not mindful of outcomes. Reports of young people enacting bizarre rituals of hazing and abuse with their peers, thinking this will somehow build character or make them more mature, have been reported recently. Instead, these actions o_en scar the assaulted children psychologically and teach the abusers to be bullies. Too many peers or adults in authority positions condone, encourage, or orchestrate these actions.

Ultimately, being aware of situations involving your children is the best defense to protect them, and especially conversing daily with them. If you want to ensure your children are safe in situations, take time to volunteer for their activities and develop a network with other parents involved to promote safe situations.

Until we _nd more real-life mentors like Ted Lasso, let’s do our best to grow inspirational leaders from this generation who will help others grow through all the appropriate lessons and care. Be involved and engaged in the lives of the young people around you and keep them out of harmful situations. Let us make “Oklahoma” more than a name of a state or a call for honesty, but also a place that truly protects children.

Three local scouts earn prestigious Eagle rank
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Three local scouts earn prestigious Eagle rank
By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER 
September 18, 2025
Three local scouts received the prestigious Eagle Scout recognition on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at Granite Station Cowboy Church in Checotah. Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is a milestone that only about si...
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Suspect awaits sanity decision in Minner case
By MICHAEL BARNES 
September 18, 2025
When a June 10 headline shook the community—Selby Minner, beloved blues musician and cultural icon, found dead—the shock reverberated through Rentiesville and far beyond. The one arrested for her murd...
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Ford holding food drive
September 18, 2025
Ford dealers around the world are joining together to conduct the World’s Largest Ford Dealer Food Drive, now through Sept. 25. The local dealership where you may drop off food is Sam Wampler’s Freedo...
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Checotah Public Schools Board Members Shine at OSSBA/COSSA Leadership Conference in Oklahoma City
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Checotah Public Schools Board Members Shine at OSSBA/COSSA Leadership Conference in Oklahoma City
September 18, 2025
Members of the Checotah Public Schools Board had the opportunity to attend the recent OSSBA/COSSA Leadership Conference held in Oklahoma City, where they engaged in discussions focused on school gover...
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Oklahoma Farm Bureau hosts 4th Annual Capitol Camp
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Oklahoma Farm Bureau hosts 4th Annual Capitol Camp
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
September 18, 2025
117 FFA and 4-H students from across the state convened at the Oklahoma State Capitol for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s 4th Annual Capitol Camp held Sept. 3 – 4. The camp was an immersive two-day experie...
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Elaina Donahue’s Rett Run & Walk set for Sept. 20
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Elaina Donahue’s Rett Run & Walk set for Sept. 20
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
September 18, 2025
The Elaina Donahue Rett Run & Walk is set for this Saturday, Sept. 20 at 9 a.m. at the Checotah Sports Complex. The Rett Run last year was started by this local family in hopes to bring awareness to t...
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POW/MIA Ceremony Friday
September 18, 2025
On Friday, Sept. 19 the VFW Post 8798 Auxiliary will host a dinner in honor of soldiers who have not returned home from battle. The event will begin at 6 p.m. in the Post dining room on SH 9 east.
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Flag exchange drive
September 18, 2025
VFW Auxiliary 8798 would like to help you properly dispose of your worn out flags. We will exchange your worn 3x5 United States American Flag for a brand new one. Dates will be shared over the upcomin...
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Lake Eufaula Out of Darkness Walk this Saturday
September 18, 2025
Don’t miss the Lake Eufaula Out of Darkness Walk this Saturday, September 20. Come walk and show your support as locals bring awareness to suicide and how you can prevent it. “Being able to see the wa...
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P.E.O. Sisterhood awards grants
News
P.E.O. Sisterhood awards grants
September 18, 2025
Chapter T, Eufaula, of the P.E.O. Sisterhood has announced the awarding of three highly competitive grants to an Oklahoma college student. Lyndsey Skaggs, president of Chapter T, made the announcement...
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Vandalism, violence and vacancy
commentary
Vandalism, violence and vacancy
September 18, 2025
Every single day the world suffers from deliberate vandalism, disturbing violence and what I believe is a vacancy of the heart. This vacancy or state of emptiness that seems to affect so many is becau...
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