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News
July 4, 2024
Eastern Oklahoma Library System announces facilities improvement initiative

MUSKOGEE — Eastern Oklahoma Library System (EOLS) has announced the launch of a facilities initiative to rejuvenate aging buildings and library interiors across the six-county system. This initiative is set to transform our libraries into vibrant community hubs, better equipped to meet the evolving needs of our diverse communities.

“To provide the best possible facilities for our patrons, we must be proactive. The public’s use of libraries is changing. We need to meet that need with upto- date facilities that provide a space for everyone,” said Executive Director Kathy Seibold, who took the helm of EOLS in April.

Libraries continue to offer opportunities for people from all walks of life to borrow books, music, movies, e-books, and audiobooks, she said, “but today’s library patron is also using the computer and internet, job hunting, studying, having homeschool group meetings, utilizing meeting rooms for community meetings, attending programs that offer everything from arts and crafts to special interest lectures, and so much more.”

Modern libraries are one of the few genuinely public places left in the world. No other place offers people somewhere to simply enjoy a good book, watch a movie on a computer, study whatever they are interested in, learn new hobbies, and hone creative skills without an entry fee or a ticket price.

The success of this initiative is a collective effort—cities and towns are stepping up to fund and implement necessary maintenance and repairs. Seibold said that the rest of the journey will rely on the support of generous grants and donors who believe in the power of libraries to transform communities.

“We’ll be launching fundraisers for many of the interior projects at our libraries—including new carpet, rethinking and repurposing library spaces, fresh paint, and brighter lighting,” she said. “Many of our Friends of the Library groups are donating and fundraising to help us with the initiative in their libraries.”

Among the projects already underway are repairs and mold remediation at Eufaula Memorial Library, which began Monday, June 24, and requires the library to be temporarily closed. The Eufaula Chamber of Commerce, Eufaula Community Center, and Legacy on Main Street are providing space for the library to continue operations—including all their planned summer reading program events, which are muchloved by area children and families.

Warner Public Library is temporarily closed as the town works to assess and make plans to repair water leaks and mold issues there. In the meantime, Connors State College has generously lent the use of its campus library for the library’s summer reading program events in June and July.

Planning is underway to address needed improvements at Rieger Memorial Library in Haskell, and perhaps the most extensive project currently in planning is repairs and renovations at Muskogee Public Library (MPL)—all of which are supported by their respective cities but will also require fundraising to succeed. “We have a lot of work to do,” Seibold said, “but the results will be amazing for our communities.”

Treasurer honored at retirement party
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Treasurer honored at retirement party
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
July 3, 2025
Retiring McIntosh County Treasurer Betty Whisenhunt received high praise from the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd at Whisenhunt’s retirement party Friday. “She could give courses acros...
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Council approves water rate increase for city and rural users
By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER 
July 3, 2025
A newly adopted ordinance, passed June 9 by the City Council, increases rates for all users, including those living outside city limits. This new ordinance officially raises monthly water rates for re...
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Lightning strike kills Eufaula woman in cemetery
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Lightning strike kills Eufaula woman in cemetery
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
July 3, 2025
A 57-year-old Eufaula woman was killed by lightning during a routine stroll through a cemetery Friday evening. Joy Ann Rogers was walking through Greenwood cemetery shortly before 7 p.m. when a thunde...
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Family, friends and fans bid farewell to Blues legend
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Family, friends and fans bid farewell to Blues legend
By LENORE BECHTEL 
July 3, 2025
Her casket rested below center stage at the Checotah Performing Arts Center, open for friends, fans, and family to view her precious body before her life’s celebration began. No one lingered long. Tha...
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Classmates reunite after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend
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Classmates reunite after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
July 3, 2025
Class of 1975 honor Jim Caro as 'Significant Alumni' Classmates from all over the U.S. reunited after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend. The Class of 1975 celebrated their 50th reunion by hon...
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Killing them with kindness
commentary
Killing them with kindness
July 3, 2025
What a month it’s been for me personally and in our close-knit communities. Trying to cope with the loss of loved ones has been extremely difficult and downright demanding. Yet having to come to terms...
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For the Children ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ overhauled in Senate, would cause even more government borrowing
commentary
For the Children ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ overhauled in Senate, would cause even more government borrowing
By JOE DORMAN, OICA CEO 
July 3, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – Over the past month, I have highlighted portions of the federal “Big Beautiful Bill” as passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Currently, the bill is under consideration by the U...
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Another busy week in the district
commentary
Another busy week in the district
By REP. TIM TURNER 
July 3, 2025
I started last Saturday June 21, bright and early at Stigler Reunion Days. I kicked things off at the Haskell County GOP Tent, answering questions and catching up with friends and supporters. Then I h...
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Hays Supports MOHA Executive Order
commentary
Hays Supports MOHA Executive Order
July 3, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Neil Hays, R-Muskogee, today expressed strong support for Gov. Kevin Stitt’s new “Make Oklahoma Healthy Again” (MOHA) executive order, which targets artificial food additives and ...
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News
Woman captured following foot chase
July 3, 2025
A 39-year-old Eufaula woman who had an outstanding warrant on an arson charge was arrested Wednesday, June 25, following a foot chase in a wooded area around south 7th Street in Eufaula. Tamara Dean K...
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Katy Depot Meet and Greet
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Katy Depot Meet and Greet
July 3, 2025
Mike Key talked to his Class of 1975 and other alumni about their Significant Alumni Jim Caro at the Katy Depot Meet & Greet on Saturday.
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