logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Public Notices
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Public Notices
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
Final Column
commentary
November 21, 2024
Final Column
By State Rep. Randy Randleman (405) 557-7375 randy.randleman@okhouse.gov

This will be my last correspondence with you, but it has been such a privilege to serve you.

Now, I am again taking up much of the work my wife Jennifer has been doing and will be assisting school-based services and a local family resource center. This change also will allow me to enjoy time with my wife, children and grandchildren, which I’m looking forward to. We prayed about this decision for quite some time. I truly believe that God comes first, our family second, and then our businesses and public service.

In my time at the House, we’ve accomplished many things. While at the State Capitol, one of my biggest accomplishments has been establishing an adolescent crisis center in McAlester to serve the southeast corner of the state.

I was working on an adolescent psychiatric hospital for our area. It would have provided 20-26 beds for adolescents who are having mental or psychological problems. This was one of my main goals when I was elected. I worked with Chad Gregg, one of the administrators of the hospital for three years, to accomplish this task. Thank you Chad for all your work.

In addition, I secured $4.8 million for a new adolescent psychiatric hospital in McIntosh County, but the bill was killed on the last day of session because of a petty disagreement between senators. My successor has indicated he intends to file this bill again in hopes of securing this hospital. All of Southeast Oklahoma will benefit.

I have written and passed the following bills for the state of Oklahoma: In 2019, I authored HB2195, which dealt with licensing requirements for the Psychologists Licensing Act. I also assisted with the passage of HB1074, HB1075, HB2282, HB2339, HB2632, HB2640, SB361 and SB456. In 2020, while working through the pandemic, I helped pass HB2905, HB3400 and HB3967.

The next year, I authored HB2223, which directed the State Dept, of Education to maintain the dyslexia handbook. I also worked on HB1246, HB1568, HB1709, HB2396, HB2770, SB21, SB229, SB317, SB619 and SB631.

In 2022, I authored HB3261, which designated the American Quarter Horse as the state horse of Oklahoma, and SB626, which dealt with school mental health student records. I also worked on HB3073, HB3658, SB1337 and SB1396.

Last year, I carried HB1041, which tasked the school athletic association with establishing a new category of competition. This was signed into law. I also assisted with the passage of HB1504, HB4455, SB 100 and SB513.

I want to thank everyone who has been supportive of me throughout the past six years. There are special people in all five counties of House District 15, and it has been a pleasure working for you.

Additionally, I would like to thank a few friends: Glenda and Bill Allen, Billy Don Cloud and his wife, Jose Mc-Coy, Pastor Tim Turner, Mr. and Mrs. Ormes, and Ronnie Luke, who passed during my time in office. There are many, many others who played an important role in my time at the State House, and I deeply appreciate their work—thank you.

I will gladly continue to provide any assistance or advice to Tim Turner, who may need it as he steps into this role. I

See RANDLEMAN, page A5 also will continue to assist many of the legislative friends I have made in my time at the State Capitol, and will always be a ready resource for them when they ask.

Again, I am very thankful for the opportunity to serve as your state representative. I hope that you will keep praying for our family as we will keep praying for yours.

Rep. Randy Randleman, a Republican, represents House District 15 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Haskell County and portions of McIntosh, Muskogee, Le Flore and Pittsburg counties.

More adoptions, less litters
A: Main, News...
More adoptions, less litters
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
April 23, 2026
Two more city pound dogs found their forever homes through Paws N Claws rescue efforts this week. McIntosh County and abroad definitely need more adoptions and less litters of puppies and kittens. Of ...
this is a test
Checotah daycare case moves forward in district court
A: Main, News...
Checotah daycare case moves forward in district court
April 23, 2026
SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER A Checotah couple accused of abusing children in an in-home daycare appeared April 16 in McIntosh County District Court for a preliminary hearing before Associate Distric...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Election Board hears contest in county commissioners race
April 23, 2026
The McIntosh County Election Board heard testimony at 10 a.m.Thursday, April 16, in a contest of candidacy filed against District 1 County Commissioner candidate Jeffery Coleman (Mc-Intosh County sher...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Suspect accused of striking patrol car, fleeing deputies before arrest
By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER 
April 23, 2026
A McIntosh County man was arrested April 16 on a complaint of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, according to a probable cause affidavit. Steven Wayne Smith, 54, of Checotah, was taken into ...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Senior Send Off and upcoming events
April 23, 2026
It’s hard to believe another school year has already come and is almost gone as seniors prepare for their last days in class, on stages and on the field. Here are a few end of the year events to remem...
this is a test
‘Art in The Park’ to celebrate all mothers
A: Main, News...
‘Art in The Park’ to celebrate all mothers
April 23, 2026
Local artists with the Checotah Art Guild invite the public to celebrate motherhood at their annual “Art in the Park” on Saturday, May 9. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Veterans P...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Successful City Wide Spring Trash-Off Day
A: Main, News...
Successful City Wide Spring Trash-Off Day
April 23, 2026
The City of Checotah and Checotah Chamber had a successful City Wide Spring Trash Off Day on Saturday, April 18. Around 13 Chamber and city personnel as well as 14 local volunteers, young and old, joi...
this is a test
Maura McDermott Wood chosen Beta Sigma Phi Sister of the Year
News
Maura McDermott Wood chosen Beta Sigma Phi Sister of the Year
April 23, 2026
Local Beta Sigma Phi members have chosen Maura McDermott Wood as Sister of the Year. An active member, Maura designs and produces an attractive and historic yearbook for the local president each year....
this is a test
News
Chaney’s Pizza coming to Checotah
April 23, 2026
Chaney’s Pizza announced that in light of changing circumstances, they were finalizing their current operations in Eufaula on Friday, April 17 and opening a new chapter at a new location in Checotah. ...
this is a test
FFA Speech Contest draws record-breaking entries
News
FFA Speech Contest draws record-breaking entries
April 23, 2026
On Monday, April 6, Checotah FFA hosted their annual Speech Contest with a record-breaking 599 speeches entered and judged throughout the evening. “What an incredible day it was!” stated FFA advisor Z...
this is a test
Studio 45: A new creative space bringing artists, ideas and community together in downtown Eufaula
Opinion
Studio 45: A new creative space bringing artists, ideas and community together in downtown Eufaula
By MICHAEL BARNES 
April 23, 2026
On April 12, Studio 45 opened its doors in Eufaula, offering something more than a new venue. It is a place where creativity can gather, take form, and begin to take shape. Just off Main Street on Sel...
this is a test
Facebook
Twitter
Tweets
Twitter
Tweets

MCINTOSH COUNTY DEMOCRAT
300-A S. Broadway
Checotah, OK
74426

(918) 473-2313

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Mcintosh Democrat

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy