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News
February 6, 2025
Group to help rural entrepreneurs turn business ideas into reality
By AMARIE BARTEL OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Farm Bureau announces that Launch Rural OK and Builders + Backers are beginning a program designed to help rural Oklahomans transform their business ideas into reality.

One-day conferences will be held in several locations over the next two months.

“Rural entrepreneurship is vital to Oklahoma’s future,” said Amarie Bartel, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Rural Economic Development Coordinator. “These conferences represent a significant investment in our rural communities, providing residents with the tools, training, and connections they need to build successful businesses right where they live.”

The program will feature four regional conferences across the state in February and March, bringing world-class entrepreneurship training directly to rural communities.

The one-day conferences, completely free to participants, are scheduled for:

• Feb 14, at Eastern Oklahoma State College, West Main Street, Wilburton.

• Feb 28, at Southwest Technology Center, West Tamarack Road, Altus.

• March 14, at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, East 4th Street, Okmulgee.

• March 31, at Northwest Technology Center, Vo-Tech Drive, Fairview.

Research shows that while 62% of adults have ideas for new businesses, less than 2% take action. “Every day, we see incredible ideas sitting on the sidelines because people don’t know how to get started or think they first need technical expertise or large amounts of capital,” said Donna Harris, CEO of Builders + Backers. “Our proven methodology helps anyone, anywhere, regardless of their background or experience, take those first crucial steps toward building a successful venture.”

Each event will provide intensive, hands-on training using Builders + Backers’ proven methodology that has helped launch over 1,000 new ventures nationwide. Each conference will feature: • Expert-led training on idea validation and business development

• Interactive workshops and hands-on exercises • Connection to local entrepreneurial resources

• Digital tools and frameworks for continued progress

• Opportunity to compete for funding through an informal pitch competition Part of the Launch Rural OK consortium, this initiative builds on Builders + Backers’ track record of helping thousands of Americans bring their ideas to life.

The program welcomes anyone with a business idea, whether it’s a main street business, a side hustle, or a scalable startup. No prior experience required.

“What makes this program unique is its focus on rapid experimentation and practical application,” added Harris. “Instead of traditional business planning, we help entrepreneurs quickly test their ideas in the real world, reducing risk and increasing the likelihood of success.

Interested participants can learn more at buildersandbackers.com Registration is now open, with spots filled on a rolling basis.

An agenda for already- existing businesses is also available at the conferences, where entrepreneurs will gain practical marketing tools, information about funding opportunities like grants, loans, and venture capital, and proven insights from successful entrepreneurs and business support resources. About Launch Rural OK

Launch Rural OK is a consortium of rural Oklahoma business support organizations — including state agencies, CareerTechs, colleges and universities, incubators, accelerators, funding partners, and more — who work in collaboration to bring business resource accessibility and continuity for rural Oklahoma entrepreneurs. Our group brings an interactive resource map, conferences, and more to rural Oklahomans’ front door. More: www.launchruralok. com

About Builders +

Backers

Builders + Backers helps entrepreneurial dreamers become Builders who create and grow promising new companies. Our innovative, research-backed workshops, events, and programs, combined with our full stack of philanthropic and investment funds, work together to create a “Universal Entrepreneurship Onramp,” making it possible for anyone to bring their ideas to life and make a real impact in the communities they call home. More: www.buildersandbackers. com.

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
A: Main, News...
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
News
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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