Local/Area News
Henryetta turned into a colorful and oft-times really creepy place Friday afternoon as several thousand monsters, princesses, pirates and even policemen were on hand. Main Street businesses were kept busy handing out candy and goodies to al the youngsters that made their way downtown. Members of the Henryetta police and fire departments were making sure no one went hungry as they passed out hotdogs along with the candy. Several churches filled their parking lots with Trunk or Treat.
State representatives Logan Phillips and Scott Fetgatter covered everything from broadband internet access to marijuana laws Thursday night. The two were the guests at the Okmulgee County Republican party meeting held in Henryetta.
The new Cricket Wireless store at 708D East Main was the center of attention Friday morning. Store manager Matt Dodd joined with Henryetta Chamber of Commerce members for a ribbon cutting ceremony officially bringing the store to the local retail scene. The new wireless facility opened earlier this month and has been providing cell phones and plans as well as accessories to local residents.
Okmulgee County servicemen and women who gave their all are being honored with a monument at the court house.
The four blocks of granite have been placed on the west side of the court house and will be dedicated in a special ceremony at 11 a.m. Nov. 11.
Former county resident and Vietnam veteran Thomas Payne led the drive to raise the nearly $65,000 through private donations.
He said he has seen similar monuments around the state and wanted to make sure Okmulgee County honored their fallen heroes.
Over 200 names are on the monument. It also includes the emblems of the military service as well as the POW/MIA logo. The names range from World War I through Operation Enduring Freedom.
City council members began the steps needed to tear down four derelict properties around town.
At the Tuesday night council meeting, approval was given to abate the two-story brick structure at 111 and 115 West Trudgeon, a house at 110 East Smith and house at 207 East Main.
The Trudgeon buildings were severely damaged by strong winds last year that completely collapsed the brick wall of the building sending debris and dust into the alley.
City code enforcement officer Jody Agee said the house on Smith has no utilities servicing it and is in a dilapidated condition. He said he had been trying to get the owner to do something about it for several years. The same was said for the house on East Main with Agee telling the council police have been called to the home, “on a regular basis.”
A 60-day hold on abatement for a house at 907 West Moore was approved after the owner said she wants to do the repairs to the structure to bring it back to code. She pointed out there are problems with people living in the home without permission even though there are no utilities and will be asking for police to help evict them.
Steve Sanford, heads up the Nichols Park Restoration committee and told the council he had met the $14,000 goal to go towed rehabilitating the caretaker’s house.
“I’m asking to get started securing it,” he said. Monies will be used to put a new roof, siding and windows on the building. He pointed out he is anxious to get started but it is going to take time. “Lead out time on the windows is 16 weeks,” he said.
What are we going to use the building for,” asked councilor Jana Dugan.
“That is whatever you want to do with it,” Sanford replied. He pointed out it could be used as a welcome center but Mayor Jennifer Munholland said bathroom facilities would be, “a big issue. We will save the house and not be able to use it.”
The project will be on the November council agenda.
Council members approved two events to be held at the civic center within the coming weeks.
The first would be a benefit concert Nov. 6 for the late Clayton Moore. He had asked to hold that at Nichols Park but the park is going to be used for the vintage motorcycle racing during that same period.
Also gaining approval was a request for the Henryetta Historical Society to use the civic center Nov. 20 for a Founder’s Day dinner. Council approved waiting the rental fees.
County commissioner candidate Kathy George-Spears asked to use Nichols Park this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a fish fry for all residents in District Three. That was approved.
Aaron Martin was appointed to the Henryetta Board of Adjustments for a three-year term.