Local/Area News
“We are getting close but still cannot accept online payments now due to some software issues,” said city manager David Bullard Tuesday.
He went on to say that there have been instances were people have actually found a link and tried to pay their bills via computer but those payments are not getting to city hall.
“We don’t want people to have their money tied up by being lost in cyberspace,” Bulllard said.
The city can accept credit and bankcard payments at the window now but no timeframe has been set for the online payments to start.
“We are trying to work with the people who made online payments somehow to get their money back and are working with their financial institutions,” the city manager said.
“As soon as online payments can be made, we will make an announcement.”
The bond sale Tuesday was for $1,075,000 with American Exchange Bank in Henryetta partnering with Country Club Bank from Kansas City submitting the low bid.
Four financial institutions were involved in the bidding with all four submitting percentage rates that were within decimal points of each other.
The American Exchange and Country Club quote was for 5.3835 percent interest rate on the bonds for a total cost of $115,745.25.
The highest rate was from Oklahoma City-based E. Baker Group with 5.6295 percent at a cost of $121,034.25.
State law requires schools to accept the lowest bid.
According to Andy Davis from the bond sales company the original estimate was for 5.5 percent. “We were dancing all around it. The four bids all close together shows how the market is,” he said. He went on to say four other schools around the state held recent bond sales with interest rates in the five percent range.
Approval was given for the sale with four members voting in favor. Wes George, who works at American Exchange, abstained from the vote.
Davis said one more sale will take place next year.
The spring winds didn’t phase disc golfers at Nichols Park Saturday.There were 90 contestants entered in the fourth annual Henryetta Rotary Club classic with Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and even Nebraska represented.
The tournament was open to both professional and amateur players with the pros looking for additional points to add to their yearly totals.
Jonathan Fletcher from Fairbury, Nebraska, took first place in the mixed pro open. He turned in a 103 card for 16-under in the two rounds.
Oklahoma City resident Sunny Stansbury was first in the women’s pro open competition. She had a first round total of 72 and second round 73 card during the day.
In the mixed pro 50-plus category, Kyle Wilkes from Broken Arrow was first. This was his third tournament of the year.
In the amateur competition, first place honors went to: Cullen Jones, Mark Cavener, Kyrie Clumka, John Childress, Samantha Russell, Walt Runyan, Mason Harrell, Aaron Hill and Logan Pettit"We want to thank everyone, our players and sponsons, who make this tournament possible," said Rotary president Roy Johnson. "We look forward to holding it again next year and making it bigger and better."
Open to members of the Republican Party, voters will be going to their precincts that day to cast their ballots.
According to Okmulgee County election board secretary Ashley Carnes, anyone wishing to vote early can stop by her office at the court house starting at 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 29.
“Early voting is available Thursday, February 29, and Friday, March 1, from 8: a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, March 2, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.,” she said. Carnes reminds voters that early voting is not available at polling locations.
“Some voters may need assistance to vote because they are blind or visually disabled, physically disabled or infirm, or illiterate,” she added. Those people may request to have an assistant or vote privately and independently using the ATI device attached to the voting device. Those who require assistance should talk to their precinct official or contact the County Election Board directly for instructions.
At the same time, registered voters who become physically incapacitated after 5 p.m. Monday, February 19, and are unable to make it to the polls, still have an opportunity to cast their ballot.
“State law permits voters who become emergency incapacitated after 5 p.m. Monday, February 19, to vote under special provisions.” Carnes said emergency incapacitation is something most voters don’t think about. “Voting is our constitutional right, but life happens. Injury, illness, or even childbirth can prevent a voter from being able to go to the polls. That’s why it’s important to make sure voters know their rights in the event of an emergency.”
She went on to say that if a person becomes physically incapacitated after 5 p.m. February 19, they should contact the County Election Board as soon as possible. “Election Board officials will work with you to make sure you have all of the necessary information to cast your ballot.” Information can also be found on the Oklahoma State Election Board website at oklahoma.gov/elections.
The era of flappers, bootleg booze and jazz came back to town Saturday night at the annual Henryetta Chamber of Commerce banquet.
Held at the high school cafeteria, many of the nearly 200 people attending dressed in styles of the time and enjoyed music from local stage star Makayla Baxter and the HHS Knight Brigade jazz band.
New chamber president Ashley Morris presented a number of awards to individuals and businesses for their contributions and participation throughout 2023.
The award recipients included:
Jeremy Roberts receiving the John Wayne award for his dedication to the chamber and leadership. He also received a plaque recognizing him as the outgoing chamber president.
During his term as president, the chamber hired executive director Genny Mooney from a field of what he called, “great candidates,” formed a finance committee, updated the chamber dues and bylaws for the first time in 20 years, added the 7 Hills music Fest to the list of events, held two successful Cruise Knights, rodeos and town-wide cleanup efforts.
Billie Been, Donnie Smith, Jill Francis and Bruce Jones were awarded plaques recognizing them as outgoing board of directors members.
Wendy’s Chevrolet awarded the Rising Star plaque for being a new member and involvement in chamber events.
Rheba’s Buds and Blooms received the Trail Blazer award for their work in making strides to better their business and community. They were recognized for holding a number of evening classes and been involved in the chamber and local organizations since taking over a longtime business.
The Henryettan of the Year award went to Kelly Dobson and Valerie Mosco. They were cited for their work organizing the 7 Hills Music Fest and the second Hallmark Henryetta Christmas event. They were cited for having a “passion for the community, passion for unity, love for our town.”
America’s Guardians Motorcycle Club received the Roy Madden Top Hand award. Morris pointed out the group was at all events ranging from Cruise Knight to toy drive and car washes.
Three Bears Native Arms received the New Business of the Year award. Morris pointed out the business is currently working on a project with he chamber that will be announced later as well as thrived in their first year in operation.
The Shack V2 was the Business of the Year recipient. Efforts in store decoration as well as involvement with the community were cited.
The two flappers, Stacey Blanchett and Samantha Lackey, were judged the best-dressed audience members during the evening.
“We had a wonderful turnout for the 109th Annual Chamber Banquet,” Morris said after the awards were presented. “We made quite a few changes this year and everything seemed to run smoothly.”
She went on to say that, she, and the Chamber of Commerce, “want to thank all that attended and brought money to spend! The proceeds raised at this banquet go towards our many small events that we hold throughout the year like, Cruise Knight, Monster Mash, and the Movies in the Park.
I am looking forward to what 2024 has in store for our Chamber.”
The evening in pictures:
