11/12/2022

Veterans, active duty personnel honored on Veterans Day

By JAMES BEATY MANAGING EDITOR

Members of the McAlester-area community gathered Friday at the Scottish Rite Temple in McAlester on Veterans Day to honor veterans and active service members and to watch as a

new batch of recruits were sworn into military service.

During the program, McAlester Mayor John Browne proclaimed McAlester to be a Purple Heart City.

Indian Chapter of the Scottish Rite President

Dennis Wilson welcomed those attending the Veterans Day Luncheon, addressing the veterans and active service members attending the event.

“This city is graced with your presence,” Wilson said. “Our nation is forever in your debt.” He also

led a toast and a moment of silence for the Missing Man table set up in the dining area to represent those veterans who are no longer with us from the nation’s six branches of military service: the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and now, the U.S. Space Force.

Voters pick pets for calendar

By ADRIAN O’HANLON III EDITOR

Voters picked which 12 pets will be featured in an upcoming pet calendar.

The McAlester News-Capital started a pet calendar last year and voters determined which ones will be featured in this year’s edition.

Voters overwhelmingly showed support for Hank the dog with 1,580 total through Thursday, followed by Sadey the cat with 1,004 votes to lead all pets.

Twenty-six pets advanced to the semifinals this week for voters to determine which 12 advanced to be featured in an upcoming calendar.

Those 12 pets selected by voters include Hank the dog, Sadey the cat, Penny the dog, Orange-gee the chicken, Louie the dog, Angel the dog, Copper the dog, Brownie the dog, Mabel Blue the dog, Sadie and Fancy the dog, Hercules the dog, Aspen the dog.

Here is the final vote: Hank the dog 1580

McAlester has a reputation for supporting the military in peace and war, Wilson said. “You see unabashed love for our veterans,” he said. Wilson said he thanks God for small-town America who give of their sons and daughters to keep the nation free.

McAlester Army Ammunition Plant Commander Col. Michael Hammond delivered the featured presentation, saying those present were gathered to recognize Veterans Day and all who have honored our nation.

Angels available on Monday

By ADRIAN O’HANLON III EDITOR

Anyone who wants to help children in the community through an Angel Tree project can do so on Monday.

The McAlester News-Capital and the McAlester Lions’ Club partnered with Tolliver Chevrolet for the third year of an Angel Tree project to provide clothes and a toy for children in need during the holidays with angels available to be selected on Monday.

“We look forward to this project every year and the support our community gives to help children is amazing,” MN-C Publisher Reina Owens said. “Our community’s children deserve to have happy holidays and we’re fortunate to have the support of the McAlester Lions Club, Tolliver Chevrolet, and so many from our area to make the Angel Tree bigger than ever this year.”

Where do you want to go to college and why?

I am undecided on my exact college choice at this time. But, my plans are to attend undergraduate and graduate schools in the field of Allied Health, and then attend either The University of Oklahoma or Harding University to pursue a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. My career goal is to obtain a DPT and work in Pediatric Physical Therapy. What is your list of accomplishments including scholarships received?

I am ranked 1st in my class carrying a 4.3 GPA. I attended Kiamichi Technology Center in McAlester for 1 year, and I am taking concurrent classes at Carl Albert State College in Poteau. I have been on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll all 4 years of high school and have had perfect attendance for 10 years. I have been inducted into the National Technical Honor Society, Oklahoma Honor Society, and National Honor Society. In athletics, I am a two-time OSSAA Class 2A Academic State Champion for Cross Country, a two-time OSSAA Class 2A Team State Qualifier for Cross Country, and am a member of the 2022 OSSAA Class B State Champion Fastpitch Softball Team.

What drives you to succeed?

Numerous things drive me to succeed- whether it is people I look up to, statements said to me, or lessons I have learned over the years. Above all else, my urge to succeed comes from the One who gave His life for me. I can do what I am because of Him. While I continue to pursue success and work towards my many different goals, my success is found in Jesus.

Who inspires you to excel in school and why?

DAVIDL.LEFFEL

Lt.Col.DavidL.Leffel(Ret. U.S.Army),82ofBrooken,died November9,2022in McAlester.

Thefamilywillgreetvisitors Friday,6:00p.m.to8:00p.m.at BishopFuneralServiceand Crematory.

Agravesideservicewillbe held2:00p.m.Saturday, November12,2022intheMasonicSectionofOakHill CemeteryofficiatedbyMr. MichaelHodges.MilitaryhonorswillbeprovidedbytheFt. SillU.S.ArmyHonorsTeam.

Honorarypallbearerswillbe MichaelHodges,AaronZachry, RobertZachry,ScottLassiter, GordonPyle,ChrisBaughand B.J.Jansen.

Inlieuofflowers,memorial contributionsmaybemadeto anyOklahomaVeteransCenter.

DavidwasbornApril24, 1940inOklahomaCitytoLaMonteandMaysel(Hatter)Leffel.Heattendedschoolsin McAlesterandgraduatedfrom OklahomaMilitaryAcademy in1958.Upongraduation fromOklahomaMilitary Academy,hewasofferedan appointmenttoWestPointor theUnitedStatesNavalAcademy,butoptedtoattendthe UniversityofOklahomawhere hegraduatedwithabusiness degree.

DavidservedintheU.S. ArmyandtheU.S.ArmyReserveandachievedtherankof Lt.Colonel.Heservedmostof hisworkinglife,beingstationedatthePentagon,workingfortheJointChiefsofStaff servingindifferentcapacities. HeretiredfromtheU.S.Army in2000.Hecontinuedtowork asaCPAforseveralyears.

HemarriedJaniceFontenot inBossierCity,Louisianain 2004.

Davidenjoyedlivingatthe lake,boatingandhunting;especiallydrivinghisgolfcart aroundvisitingwiththeneighborsatBrooken.

Hewasprecededindeathby hisparents,LaMonteLeffeland MayselLeffel-Jones.

Davidissurvivedbyhiswife, Janiceofthehome;daughter, CarylLeffelofOklahomaCity; sister,LindaCollierof McAlester;step-daughters, WendyDuhonofTyler,Texas; BrandyHodgesandhusband, MichaelofWarner;Jennifer Withersandhusband,Gregof Lumberton,Texas;step-sons, AaronZachry,RobertZachry andwife,MeaganallofStigler; tengrandchildren;numerous otherfamilymembersand friends.

GILBERTLEEGRIGSBY

GilbertLee Grigsby,79,of Hartshorne, passedpeacefully athishomeon Friday,November4,2022. Hewasborn onNovember21,1942atMcNallyFlats,OklahomatoGuy andRuthM.(Thomas)Grigsby. HeservedintheUnitedStates NavyontheUSSYorktown.He livedandlovedhisfamily,his God,hardn'true,justashe rodehisHarley'shiswholelife through!

Heissurvivedbyhissons, ChristopherRayGrigsby, MelvinLouisGrigsbyand RobertLeeGrigsby;6grandchildrenand2great-grandchildren;brother,DonaldGrigsby; aunt,JoyceIngramandmany cousins.

Hewasprecededindeathby parents,GuyandRuthGrigsby. Gravesideserviceswillbe 11:00a.m.onSaturday, November19,2022attheBowerCemeteryPavilioninthe BowercommunitynearEufaula,Oklahoma.

Veterans ‘best of America,’ VP Harris says in laying wreath

By CHRIS MEGERIAN AND COLLEEN LONG ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON Under gray clouds and pouring rain at Arlington National Cemetery, Vice President Kamala Harris told the nation’s veterans Friday their work makes America stronger, as the administration announced new support for children who live with wounded service members.

“Every day, through your life’s work and your example, you make America stronger,” she told the crowd. “On Veterans Day, we come together to express our profound gratitude for all you have done and you continue to do.”

“Veterans represent the best of America,” she said.

have lived by those standards as I continue to grow. My parents have dedicated so much of their time and lives to raise me to be the person I am today, so I want to be able to make them proud.

What community activities are you involved in and what drives you to give back to the community?

I’m involved in 4-H which is where most of my community service comes from. I’ve been in 4-H since I was 9 years old and have enjoyed every second. Giving back to the community creates a feeling that is so rewarding and I love the experiences. I want to be the one that makes a difference and I want the legacy of someone that not only works hard, but has a kind, generous heart.

What are your extracurricular activities and how do they im -

prove your education?

Participating in sports has taught me valuable lessons I will carry throughout my future. I’ve learned that success comes from being team led, communicating with others, learning from mistakes, and be mentally tough. Every lesson can carry over to other environments; for me these lessons have carried over to 4-H and Yearbook, where I apply teamwork and communication skills daily. These experiences have made me a better leader, a better student, and a better person.

How would a new car help achieve your future goals?

A new car would definitely be a weight lifted as I drive a 2013 Mini Cooper. It’s fairly old and pretty small.

My car is great for driving around town but it has had some problems in the past. Because of this I will need a new car before I go to college. Like I said it would definitely take some worry away if I knew I had a reliable vehicle to go to college.

demics included.

As a kid from a small-town school in Southeastern Oklahoma, I learned at a very young age that nothing would be handed to me. I would have to work for whatever I wanted and let the Lord handle the rest. I know my work ethic has to be great. Even after I achieve a goal, I look to “one-up” myself and improve. I give 110% no matter what I am doing, aca-

McAlester

The initiative, known as the Hidden Helpers Coalition, helps young people who act as caregivers and was announced by first lady Jill Biden, who hosted a breakfast for veterans

Calendar ...

Sadey the cat 1004 Penny the dog 400 Orange-gee the chicken 400 Louie the dog 224 Angel the dog 200 Copper the dog 200 Brownie the dog 172 Mabel Blue the dog 140 Sadie and Fancy the dogs 120 Hercules the dog 80 Aspen the dog 80

What community service activities are you involved in and what drives you to give back to the community?

I am a member of the American Legion Unit 32 Junior Auxiliary where I am currently serving as junior president. For ALA, I assist in flag retirement ceremonies, cemetery memorial decoration, and flag placement on federal holidays. I am also a member of the VFW Auxiliary 8798 where I have participated in youth programming such as Patriot’s Pen and Voice of

on Friday before she, Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff came to the annual ceremony at the Virginia cemetery.

With President Joe Biden in Egypt for a United Nations conference on climate, it was Harris who placed the wreath in a somber ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is dedicated to deceased service members whose remains have not been identified.

She arranged it carefully, fussing a bit with the ribbons to move them back in place after they were blown askew by the wind and rain.

Harris said the nation owes soldiers a great debt, and that the Biden administration was working to deliver on help with housing, health care and jobs. She noted Jill Biden’s work with the families of veterans, saying “while our veterans wore the uniform, they’re not the only ones who have served.”

Saber the dog 28

Luna the cat 20

Bear the rescue dog 0

Auggie the dog 0 Lulu the dog 0 Ranger the dog 0 Ginger the dog 0 Petunia the cat 0 Roxy the dog 0

Nugget the dog 0 Sergei and Dimitrie the dogs 0

Lite the dog 0 Jackson the Lemur 0 Apollo the dog 0 Next week will be the final week of voting as

Democracy. I also participate each year in the School Veterans Day Program spreading the importance of our armed forces to youth in our community. I am a member of the East Main Church of Christ Youth group and assist in the collection of food, toys, and clothing for the Westview Boys’ Home and Tipton Children’s Home. I feel it is extremely important to be a positive role model for youth in my community, and it is important for people of all ages to be involved in serving their community. What are your extracurricular activi-

FORECAST

“As Americans, we have a sacred obligation to take care of our veterans and our military families,” she said. “Fulfilling that obligation means making sure veterans can access the support and resources they need to thrive.”

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, along with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, himself a veteran, joined.

This is the first Veterans Day since Biden signed legislation expanding health care for service members who were exposed to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan or to chemicals that were used in previous conflicts.

The legislation, known as the PACT Act, was a priority for Biden. His eldest son, Beau Biden, died of brain cancer in 2015, several years after he was exposed to a burn pit during military service in Iraq.

From Egypt, Biden ac-

anyone can vote which of the 12 finalists will be featured on the cover of the pet calendar.

Voters will decide whivh pet will be on the pet calendar’s cover during the final round of voting Nov. 14-18.

The final round will again be in-person and mail-in voting with anyone being able to pay a 25-cent fee per vote for the pet they want featured on the pet calendar’s cover.

Anyone can purchase any amount of votes for

ties and how do they improve your education?

I am a 5-year member of FFA serving as a chapter officer for 4 years. I am currently serving as Chapter President. I have been in 4-H since 4th grade and have served as a local club officer for 6 years. In 4-H I have also served as a Hughes County 4-H officer for the past 4 years and am the retiring President this year. I have served on the 4-H Southeast District Action Team for the past 3 years, and was inducted into the Hughes County 4-H Hall of Fame in

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 26. Calm wind.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 53. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

knowledged the sacrifices of America’s veterans there.

“This day is a day of commemoration at home in the United States. It’s Veterans Day,” he said. “America’s veterans and their families, survivors and caregivers are the very spine and soul of the United States. And on this special day, on every day, I honor all those who sacrifice to our nation, like my son.”

More than 137,000 claims involving toxic exposure have been filed, the Biden administration says. The Department of Veterans Affairs also began asking veterans about possible toxic exposure earlier this week in an attempt to identify any health complications.

The Democratic president also released a video message before he left Thursday night for Egypt. He also has stops in Cambodia and Indonesia before he returns for his granddaughter’s wedding at the White House on Nov. 19.

any of the pets in the final round. Anyone can submit their vote and payment at the News-Capital offices at 500 S. Second St. in McAlester or by mailing it in to P.O. Box 987, McAlester, OK 74502.

The News-Capital started the pet calendar last year as fun way to help the Pittsburg County Animal Shelter. A portion of the proceeds from this project go toward purchasing needed items for the Pittsburg County Animal Shelter.

2020. I have served as a Class of 2023 officer for 4 years and am currently the Senior Class President. I also participate in Academic Quiz Bowl and the Interscholastic Team. I am a 4-year varsity starter for both Fastpitch & Slowpitch Softball. I am also a member of both the Varsity Track and Cross Country Teams. How would a new car help achieve your future goals?

A new car would allow me the opportunity to have a reliable and economical source of transportation to and from college.

BIBLE VERSE

MANUEL BALCE CENETA | AP Photo

VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS bows her head and pauses as she lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during the National Veterans Day observance at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Va., Friday, Nov. 11, 2022.

Poster winner

SEND US YOUR NEWS OR PHOTOS

Look for a chance to win $25,000 toward a new 2022 Ford truck

■ OK Lions will be at Freedom Ford Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. for the grand prize drawing

Submitted BY DEBORAH SHERWOOD

The Oklahoma Lions Service Foundation (OLSF) has an annual Cowboy Cadillac fundraiser to support Lions Clubs State Projects. These are the Lions Mobile Health Screening Unit, KidSight, the foster care program Meadows of Hope, the Lions Eye Bank, and the Vision Eye Glass recycling program. OLSF hosts an annual raffle to help support these programs. OLSF will hold the raffle for the winner’s choice of $20K or $25K towards a new vehicle at Freedom Ford on Saturday November 12th at 1:00 PM on the showroom floor at Freedom Ford, 720 S George Nigh Expy, McAlester, OK 74501, PH:918-302-9121.

Oklahoma lions have been serving fellow Oklahomans for over 100 years. There are 137 clubs and over 3000 Lions Club members who volunteer throughout Oklahoma doing various service projects in their community. Lions’ motto “We Serve” is what Lion volunteers do from disaster relief to health and vision assistance. Lions are working to make our communities stronger and its people healthier.

The McAlester and Wilburton Lions Clubs are hosting the event along with Sam Wampler’s Freedom Ford who is our GRAND sponsor! Tickets for the Cowboy Cadillac Fundraiser may be purchased for $5 each from any Lion or at Freedom Ford in McAlester, OK. Tickets will be sold onsite until the time of drawing!

Assisting the state projects is the focus of this fundraiser. Established in 1957 and run

by Lion members, the Lions Eye Bank is the state’s only dedicated tissue recovery agency with the sole purpose of recovering corneal tissue and restoring sight through transplantation. Since 1957 it has processed over 30,000 corneas and transplanted over 22,000.

The Lions KidSight program is the newest Lions state program. KidSight performs vision screening for children 0-18 years of age. Since 2014, the Lions of Oklahoma have screened over 65K children.

The Lions Mobile Health Screening Unit (MHSU) performs health screenings free of charge all over the state of Oklahoma. MHSU performs eight (8) vital health screenings free to residents of Oklahoma including: cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, lung capacity, glaucoma, bone density, visual acuity, and body mass index. Each year Lions conduct over 10K screenings,

and the number is increasing each year.

The Meadows of Hope foster care community currently serves 27 families and 27 children in the Perkins area with the goal of keeping siblings together. They strive to give children a place to call home.

The Eye Glass Recycling program collects and sends corrective lenses to a recycling center in Texas for processing. This last year alone we have sent over 58K glasses for recycling to be used all over the world.

Don’t all Oklahoma’s families and children deserve to have what is needed to see and live out a full life. Health screening stories are not uncommon regarding saving lives. We are proud to visit McAlester, Oklahoma with this year’s 2021 fundraiser and hope we can continue to “Serve” for many more years to come.

Cayden Beason won the Pittsburg County contest and his poster is now on his way to compete against all of Oklahoma. If he wins, he will get another check and then compete against all of the United States. The Lion’s Club delivered him a $100 check.

The

Submitted Photo

TODAY IN HISTORY

Today is Saturday, Nov. 12, the 316th day of 2022. There are 49 days left in the year.

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT IN HISTORY:

On Nov. 12, 1927, Josef Stalin became the undisputed ruler of the Soviet Union as Leon Trotsky was expelled from the Communist Party.

ON THIS DATE:

In 1920, baseball got its first “czar” as Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis was elected commissioner of the American and National Leagues.

In 1936, the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge opened as President Franklin D. Roosevelt pressed a telegraph key in Washington, D.C., giving the green light to traffic.

In 1942, the World War II naval Battle of Guadalcanal began. (The Allies ended up winning a major victory over Japanese forces.)

In 1948, former Japanese premier Hideki Tojo and several other World War II Japanese leaders were sentenced to death by a war crimes tribunal.

In 1970, the Bhola cyclone struck East Pakistan; it’s believed that as many as a half million people were killed.

In 1975, Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas retired because of failing health, ending a record 36-year term.

In 1982, Yuri V. Andropov (ahn-DROH’-pawf) was elected to succeed the late Leonid I. Brezhnev as general secretary of the Soviet Communist Party’s Central Committee.

In 1996, a Saudi Boeing 747 jetliner collided shortly after takeoff from New Delhi, India, with a Kazak Ilyushin (il-YOO’-shin)-76 cargo plane, killing 349 people.

In 2001, American Airlines Flight 587, an Airbus A300 headed to the Dominican Republic, crashed after takeoff from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, killing all 260 people on board and five people on the ground.

In 2009, Army psychiatrist Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan (nihDAHL’ mah-LEEK’ hahSAHN’) was charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder in the Fort Hood, Texas, shooting rampage. (Hasan was later convicted and sentenced to death; no execution date has been set.)

In 2019, Venice saw its worst flooding in more than 50 years, with the water reaching 6.14 feet above average sea level; damage was estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

In 2020, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, a broad coalition of top government and industry officials, rejected President Donald Trump’s claims of election fraud, saying that the election was “the most secure in American history“ and that there was “no evidence that any voting system deleted or lost votes, changed votes or was in any way compromised.”

Ten years ago: The United States was re-elected to another three-year term on the U.N. Human Rights Council in the only contested election for the organization’s top human rights body.

Five years ago: President Donald Trump said he believed U.S. intelligence agencies, which concluded that Russia meddled in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, but that he also believed that Russia’s Vladimir Putin felt that Russia did not interfere. Trump exchanged taunts with North Korea’s leader, tweeting, “Why would Kim Jong-un insult me by calling me ‘old,’ when I would NEVER call him ‘short and fat?‘”

One year ago: Steve Bannon, a longtime ally to former President Donald Trump, was indicted on two counts of criminal contempt of Congress after he defied a subpoena from the House committee investigating the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. (Bannon would be convicted and sentenced to four months in prison.)

ithi

11, C a s t e o t a a

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DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a number of health challenges that I have been dealing with for a few years. Nobody in my life really knows about them. I take my medication. I stay in touch with my doctors, but in the past year I haven’t been exercising or doing the physical maintenance work that I promised to do. I’m doing OK, but I know I could be doing better. I’m about to have a physical, and I’m worried that my doctor is going to be disappointed in me. I feel like I should cancel my appointment. I can’t take the stress of letting anybody else down. I am the one who is called upon in my family to hold everything together. It is hard for me, and I’m not doing so well right now. I’m thinking if I start my exercise program now and then postpone my appointment for six months, I will have better results when I go in. Does that sound crazy? — Too Much Pressure DEAR TOO MUCH PRESSURE: Please do not cancel your doctor’s appointment. Consider your doctor an ally. Be honest at your appointment. Explain that you haven’t done all that you were asked to do or promised to do. State where you are physically and emotionally. Be as forthcoming as possible. This will help your doctor to be able to evaluate the status of your health and make informed recommendations. If you don’t tell the truth, you may end up with advice or even medication that doesn’t suit your needs right now.

Also, be honest about what you think you are willing to do moving forward. For example, don’t pledge to run 5 miles a day if you don’t walk 1 mile a week now. Be realistic. And ask for help in all areas where you have needs. You can get referrals for a dietician, physical therapist, mental health professional and more.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My girlfriend feels stuck at her current job. She has an impressive resume, and I know she’s overqualified for the job she has now. Anyone would hire someone like her. She doesn’t want to be without income, but I can see how miserable this current job is making her. I don’t know how to get her to take a leap of faith. How do I encourage her to start the journey of at least searching for a job? Leap of Faith

DEAR LEAP OF FAITH: While your girlfriend may be overqualified for her job, it sounds like she needs some confidence-boosting in order to push forward to what’s next. Start by encouraging her to update her resume. Ask her to talk through it with you so that she says out loud what her qualifications are, what she has learned and where she could be headed. Suggest that she go on LinkedIn and look for jobs in her area of interest. She can go on virtual job interviews just to get a sense of what’s out there. She can consider it a fun activity to talk to potential employers about what they do and how she might fit in. If she starts the conversations purely as an exploration, the performance pressure will be off. Encourage her to take this step. It can help build her confidence for making a move.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My 30-year-old older brother has very poor houseguest etiquette. On several occasions, he has shown up to my home uninvit-

ed and helped himself to the contents of my fridge without asking. I’ve hosted small parties and dinners where he will show up empty-handed and proceed to eat and drink more than anyone else.

I know that he does this to other people, too. My close friend invited him to her home for a small gathering, and he acted the same way. I would think that at his age, he would have the common sense to see how this is rude, but he clearly doesn’t. How do I approach him about this? Bad Houseguest DEAR BAD HOUSEGUEST: Why are you tiptoeing around your brother? He surely is not tiptoeing around you or your friends. Invite him to come over to see you. Sit him down and tell him you need to talk. Directly tell him that you do not appreciate his recent behavior. Describe in detail what he has been doing and how rude it is. Give him clear examples of how he has taken from you and others so that he can see both what he has done and how his greediness has been received.

Remind him about the basics of guest etiquette, namely that it is common to bring a gift when you come to someone’s home for a meal or a party a bottle of wine, a dessert or even a small trinket. You do not go into people’s refrigerators including your family’s unless invited. You offer to help when help is clearly needed, and you don’t overstay your welcome.

Ask him what’s going on with him that has led him to be so self-serving. Is he in trouble financially? Is he literally hungry? Or is he just being a big kid believing that others should be responsible for him? Try to get him to talk about it, even as you establish boundaries for the future.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I work as a high-end retail salesperson. I’m the top earner out of all the other salespeople and a client favorite. I love my job, but so much is expected of me. I watch my co-workers get away with things that I would never be able to get away with. I rarely take days off, but when I do, my supervisors try to guilt me into staying by saying that the store cannot function properly without me. My co-workers take off way more time than I do. It’s like the better I am at my job, the less lenience I’m given. What should I do?

High Expectations

DEAR HIGH EXPECTATIONS: Step back and take stock of what’s going on. You need to recognize your own value in this situation. Your company is putting the lion’s share of responsibility on your shoulders. Give some of it back. Put your foot down. Explain that you will always give 100% when you are at work, but you need a break. Schedule your vacation and take it. Let them miss you when you are gone. Perhaps others will have to step up. Stand firm in your resolve to take care of yourself so that you can continue to give fully at

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Patient considers postponing doctor’s appointment

work when you are there.

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DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently won a large sum of money in a lawsuit. I told only the two people closest to me: my mother and my best friend. I expressed to both of them that I wanted to keep this news a secret to protect my safety and my money. Not long after I told my best friend, I found out that she had told a mutual friend of ours about the settlement. I’m furious with her. I expressed how serious I was about keeping my secret. She’s very apologetic. I’m not sure if I can forgive her for what she’s done. How do I handle this? Big Mouth

DEAR BIG MOUTH: Point the finger at yourself first. You are the one who told your secret. Your best friend couldn’t have told anyone if you hadn’t told her. Sure, you needed to share it with someone, but apparently so did she. That’s the tricky thing about secrets. There’s almost always that one person you feel the need to tell, which pushes you to break the rules.

Can you forgive your friend? Yes. Should you recognize that you need to establish different boundaries for different types of information? Definitely. Further, if people try to sidle up to you to ask for money, you can ignore them. It is not theirs for the taking.

What you may want to do is work with a financial planner to figure out the best strategy for leveraging this pot of gold so that you will have it for the long haul.

DEAR HARRIETTE: People seem to be out and about a lot more these days. I have been going out, too, and I am still wearing a mask. Sometimes I’m the only one, but I don’t feel comfortable yet taking it off when I’m around a lot of people. I notice people giving me strange looks, but I think I’m doing the right thing. COVID-19 is still around. Two of my friends have it right now for the second time, and one of them is really sick. Do I need to say anything when people give me the side-eye? I still want to wear my mask. Keep on the Mask

DEAR KEEP ON THE MASK: You are right that businesses, governments, public places and private entities have relaxed mask mandates. These days, masks are not required in most places but are still encouraged in certain situations. You have every right to wear a mask wherever you want to wear it. Well before there was COVID-19, some people wore masks to protect themselves and others from germ transmission. I remember seeing many tourists from Asia wearing masks and learned that, for some, their countries had already experienced an epidemic, and they had adopted this practice as a standard safety measure.

You must do you. What makes you feel safe and comfortable is what you should practice. Don’t worry about how people look at you. It doesn’t matter. Also, be sure to get boosted so that you are as protected as possible.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I went to a party recently, and toward the end of the evening, I noticed several people become overtly opportunistic. This one guy, whom I had never even seen before, started asking a million questions, and before I could even answer them, he was pushing me to hire him to leverage my business. His claim

was about how great he was and that I needed him in order to be successful. Then he pulled a “Shark Tank” move, saying that if I didn’t accept his proposal to hire him on the spot, he was out of there. I didn’t bite.

Another person had written a book and was actively trying to get everyone in the room to buy one. His strategy was to put the book in people’s hands even before describing it at all, followed immediately by handing them a little card with cash transfer details on it. It seemed like that game Hot Potato, in that if the book was in your hands, you had to buy it.

It was weird being in such a blatantly salesy situation that had started out as a social gathering. I felt like I would be a social pariah if I didn’t give in to these people’s demands, so I left. What do you say to people when they push so hard to get you to do something? Stop

Guilting Me

DEAR STOP GUILTING ME: Don’t give in to that kind of pressure. You can be polite up to a point, but always stand your ground. In the case of the man looking for a job, you could have stopped answering his questions even earlier. Once you noticed his energy and demeanor, the red flag could have warned you that he wasn’t the type of person you want to do business with. Instead of talking more about yourself, you could have turned the tables and invited him to talk about himself. People like him tend to enjoy bragging. You could have then excused yourself and walked away.

For the pushy author, you could have congratulated him on the success of publishing a book and said you are not interested in making a purchase right now, followed immediately by physically moving away to talk to other people. Otherwise, you would be subjected to more sales talk.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I’ve dreamed of working in theater for most of my life. I was recently cast in a role in a production that I’ve always wanted to be cast in. We’ve only done one show so far, but I am realizing how demanding and tough theater life really is. I’m physically and mentally exhausted from rehearsals. I’m not sure If I can continue to do this. I do not want to abandon my dream, but it isn’t at all what I imagined it to be. Should I tough it out, or should I reconsider this career choice?

Second Guessing DEAR SECOND GUESSING: Don’t give up yet. Every dream worth its power comes with requirements. Yes, it can be grueling to be on a theater schedule. It can wear on you physically and emotionally. Accept that. Give this production all you’ve got. That includes establishing a solid regimen to take care of yourself. Pay attention to what you eat, how you exercise and when you sleep. If you are able to establish discipline around your habits, you will be able to survive and thrive in this pressure-cooker culture. Everything in life that is worth achieving comes at a cost. Don’t shy away from the cost of making this dream come true. Lean in and see where it leads you.

• Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Study the past to gain direction in the future

One of the most intriguing statistics we discovered, while researching the market impact of midterm elections, is that the S&P500 Index, examined for the years 1946 through 2018, has never experienced a negative return for the twelve-month period after election day. The data was almost too good to be true, so I asked my team to check the data and make certain I hadn’t erred in my research. After they confirmed my original findings, I applied this statistic to my thoughts about the November 8, 2022, election in our country.

What does this statistic mean? First, data is simply information that must be applied to a certain set of facts, or hypotheses, to provide an outcome. Data itself is of no use without context. By applying the data to different contexts, one can surmise an anticipated, or unexpected, result. The interpretation of the result depends on the experience and expertise of the evaluator. What would it mean to you if I stated “S&P500” without mentioning the reasons or dependent variables for mentioning the index? I would suggest to you that it would mean little or nothing at all.

Trends are always

Don’t be fooled by the pre in prediabetes.

Prediabetes is a serious health condition that about a third of American adults have. What’s scary is about 80% of those adults are unaware of their condition.

Prediabetes puts a person at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

While prediabetes is a serious health risk, health problems increase even more for people for those individuals who go on to develop diabetes. This is why it’s important to make healthy choices and live a healthy lifestyle.

What causes prediabetes? Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that lets blood sugar into cells to use as energy. If you have prediabetes,

measured by technical analysts for purposes of identifying opportunities for investment or divestment of portfolio positions. It is astounding to me that some individuals rely on less scientific means and hearsay statements to invest their hard-earned funds in the markets. One gentleman I know invests monies in his retirement account based on which political party wins a certain election.

Let’s explore this approach a little more and I will present my thesis as to why this is hokum. The moon and planets aligned in a certain trajectory has no bearing on the stock markets or economy generally. However, investments in space exploration by companies and governments that have a vision for the benefits space travel may provide will impact the appropriate

sector of the markets. Aligning planets had nothing to do with the movement of the space travel sector of the economy. Investing in the potential for growth in the sector may have a significant impact.

Markets don’t really care about what just happened. They focus and concern themselves for value purposes of what will happen next! The stock market is a forward-priced market. Wayne Gretzky, the 1999 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, had an uncanny knack for scoring goals during his career. His answer for such performance, when asked by a sports journalist, was that he “skates to where the puck is going, not where it has been.” Am I saying that you should invest in markets, companies, or government agencies which you have no knowledge simply to invest in asset classes you may not be invested currently? Of course not! I am suggesting that you evaluate your portfolio diversification periodically to maintain the minimal risk you wish to assume in your investments. Long-term approaches to investing combined with a well-diversified portfolio will give you the best opportunity to control your wealth and risk level.

OSU EXTENSION NEWS

Should you consider the past when investing for your future? Of course! Markets cycle in economic theory as well as practical history. The United States’s economy functions with four types of market functions: peak, expansion, trough, recession. How do you know which cycle you’re in and for how long you are in the cycle? By studying economics and learning about how legislative and regulatory policy impacts the markets is critical to understanding the future. If one political party gains a majority over another, the world will not end as we know it. However, the shortterm economic climate may change.

Lastly, presidents have an impact on the fiscal policy of the United States. Monetary policy is regulated by the Federal Reserve Board and Free Open Market Committee. Presidents can cause economies to rise or fall based on the words used to describe certain sectors of the economy.

Many times, legislators will proffer a bill that artificially supports and funds a certain sector of the economy to generate interest by the public. These are examples of fiscal policy.

The key point to investing is to think long-term and to not

Prediabetes is cause for concern

Nerve damage can lead to the amputation of a toe, foot or leg. As more diabetes-related health issues occur, people with the disease are two times more likely to become depressed. All of these issues can greatly diminish a person’s quality of life.

Race and ethnicity are also factors. Those at higher risk include African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, Pacific Islanders and some Asian Americans.

invest to “chase returns.” Your best opportunity for positive results is to develop a plan that will meet your goals and objectives then diligently follow the plan. Some of your investments in the economy may be made during times of recession, some during peak activity. Overall, you will gain more confidence and security for your family by discussing your planning needs with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Planning is critical to increase your probabilities of success. Another of my favorite quotes by the famed columnist, George Will: “The future has a way of arriving unannounced.” Plan well, sleep well and change yourself by growing in wisdom. You will find wealth is far more than money alone. See you on the jogging trail!

• Registered Principal Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Jimmy J. Williams is an Investment Advisor Representative of Compass Capital Management, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Cambridge and Compass Capital Management, LLC are not affiliated. 321 S. 3rd, Ste. 4, McAlester, OK 74501.

Cambridge does not offer legal and tax advice. Please consult your legal and tax advisor for specific estate and income tax planning strategies.

grains whole grains and vary your proteins. Switch to lowfat or fat-free milk or yogurt and choose foods and beverages with less added sugars, saturated fat and sodium.

your cells don’t respond normally to insulin, so your pancreas makes more insulin to get the cells to respond. Eventually your pancreas can’t keep up and your blood sugar rises, which sets the stage for type 2 diabetes down the road.

People with diabetes often develop major complications including kidney failure, blindness and nerve damage.

People can have prediabetes for years with no clear symptoms. It’s important to visit with your primary care physician about getting your blood tested if you have any of the risk factors, including:

Being overweight 45 years old or older

Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes

Being physically active less than three times per week

Ever having gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds Polycystic ovary syndrome

If you’re diagnosed with prediabetes, think about it as a fork in the road. If you ignore it, your risk of developing type 2 diabetes continues to increase. However, if you address it and make changes, your risk goes down. Losing even a small amount of weight can make a big difference. Increasing your physical activity to at least 150 minutes per week also helps cut the risk. Small changes over time will add up. Other changes can include making half your plate fruits and vegetables and focus on whole fruits. Make half your

Virtual County 4-H Share the Fun

It is that time of year where we hold our annual 4-H Share the Fun talent show. We are keeping this contest virtual due to outstanding participation last year. This year we are asking the members to submit a video of their performance by our entry deadline of November 18. If need be we can come to the student or they can come to us and we can video their act.

SPECIFIC REQUIRE-

MENTS

1. Maximum length of act –6 minutes

2. Time limits will be strictly adhered to – 1 point will be deducted for every 15 seconds over the limit.

3. Participants must furnish all props and equipment. (If you need help recording your act please contact your club leader and they will help you schedule an appointment with our office to come and record your act.)

4. A member can enter all categories but may only enter 1 act per category

Types of Acts: Dance-No speaking to form a skit or story line. The act requires choreography and can be demonstrated through twirling, pom squad routines, or dance styles such as jazz, tap, ballet country & western, ballroom, etc. Acts may use taped music on CD

Instrumental- Instrumental presentation may be musical instruments accompanied by background tape or an instrumental performance only. No accompanist will be allowed.

Participants may not sing or

incorporate a skit, poetry, prose, or choreography with their act.

Theater-This category involves a skit that showcases an aspect of 4-H or a youth issue and how to address it. The act may incorporate music, vocal selections and/or dance but these aspects cannot be more than 50% of the performance time. Theater presentations can be humorous and creative.

Vocal-Vocal presentation may be done a cappella or with an accompaniment CD or your own device. No accompanist will be allowed for this category. All members in the act must be singing. No lip sync will be allowed. Contestants may not present skits,

Just a few simple changes and you’ll feel healthier and have a better quality of life. As you age, you’re more likely to stay independent. It also will make it easier to keep up with your children and grandchildren.

• Rachel Lockwood is the Family Consumer Science Extension Educator with Pittsburg County OSU Cooperative Extension Service. For more information related to this topic or related FCS programs contact Rachel at 918-423-4120, email Rachel.lockwood@okstate.edu or on Pittsburg County OSU Website http://oces. okstate.edu/pittsburg/ or find Pittsburg County OSU Extension Center or Pittsburg County OHCE on Facebook.

poetry or other speaking during the act. They may, however, move around the stage and incorporate choreography with their presentation for the purpose of enhancing their showmanship. Video submissions will be judged and awards presented and delivered to the 4-H clubs and participants. Share the Fun video submissions can be emailed to me. All grand champion entries per category will be submitted for the District Share the Fun event in February. For more information about this and other 4-H events and activities please give us a call at the office at 423-4120 or email me at greg. owen@okstate.edu.

Greg Owen OSU EXTENSION

Rachel Lockwood OSU EXTENSION

Jimmy Williams CPA/PFS CFP

Troopers train as part of governor mandate

Troopers from across Oklahoma gathered in McAlester this week for active shooter training required under the governor’s order.

Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive order in June 2022 requiring all troopers with the Department of Public Safety to complete certified shooter emergency response training by Jan. 1, 2023.

The order, Mission: Secure Oklahoma Schools, was signed after a gunman killed 19 children and two adults in May at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.

OHP Trooper Eric Foster said the executive order also mandates troopers be trained as trainers so they can teach the course statewide to local law enforcement officers, who have until July 2023 to go through the training as per the order.

“Troopers are in every part of this state,” Foster said. “And so, they will be able to be trained this way and then trained how to teach it so that they can go back to their local law enforcement partners that they work with everyday and be able to teach them the same techniques, terminology, movements, so that if God forbid something would happen, they can respond efficiently.”

Louisiana State University instructors teach troopers the latest techniques and information currently known about active shooter situations, he said.

Oklahoma utilizes LSU

NCBRT/ACE’s Law Enforcement Active Shooter Emergency Response, aka LASER. The course addresses the aspects of planning and implementing a rapid law enforcement deployment to an active shooter incident through presentations,

hands-on performance-based field training, and scenario-based practical exercises, according to LSU.

Approximately 50 troopers and a small number of agents from the ABLE Commission gathered at the Million

Building in McAlester, for the three-day training.

Foster said approximately 550 troopers of the 725 troopers in the state completed the training and the agency was on track to meet the Jan. 1 deadline.

“We do these trainings multiple times a week at different locations across the state training troopers and also other municipal police departments,” Foster said.

Troopers went through three different scenarios Thursday afternoon that simulated different types of active shooter situation.

“This isn’t necessarily a classroom situation where they sit and instruct,” Foster said. “They

take them through an active response where they are smelling gunpowder, they are hearing the pops of firearms, they are hearing screams, hearing stimulus, seeing simulated blood, things like that that make us respond in a certain way and effectively. That’s the best type of training.”

Scenarios included responses as a single trooper and in groups of two and three.

Local students enrolled in a criminal justice program assisted as portraying victims and shooters in the scenarios. Simulated guns and ammunition were also used as part of the training.

“This training is real to life,” Foster said. “The

firearms have a recoil, they have a sound, they have gunpowder smell even though they are Simunition rounds. They’re not real bullets but they very much behave like that so the trooper can engrain that in their brain and training and use that for his response to act.”

Foster said he hopes the trainings shows residents that lessons have been learned from prior incidents such as Uvalde.

“People around the state of Oklahoma can have the confidence that ‘hey, if this happens, law enforcement is coming in, they aren’t standing outside.”

• Contact Derrick James at djames@mcalesternews.com

TROOPERS FROM THE Oklahoma Highway Patrol and an agent from the ABLE Commission go through an active shooter response scenario Thursday in McAlester as part of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s mandate for all troopers to go through active shooter training.

DERRICK JAMES Staff photos

OKLAHOMA HIGHWAY PATROL TROOPER Eric Foster speaks with the media Thursday outside the Million Building in downtown McAlester as troopers behind him await their turn to go through an active shooter training scenario.

TROOPERS WITH THE Oklahoma Highway Patrol practice breaching a door locked with a chain Thursday in McAlester as part of an executive order signed in June mandating all troopers to complete active shooter training.

Appeals court rejects Glossip’s request for new hearing

By

Oklahoma’s criminal appeals court on Thursday denied one of two requests for a new hearing in the case against death row inmate Richard Glossip.

The denial comes just days after Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive order Nov. 3 staying Glossip’s Dec. 8 execution “to allow time for the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals to address pending legal proceedings.”

Don Knight, Glossip’s defense attorney, said in a press release that the OCCA’s Thursday denial “is a very difficult decision to understand.”

“The evidence of Rich’s innocence, and the state’s

misconduct, is overwhelming and deserving of, at the very minimum, a fair hearing where we can present our evidence,” Knight said. “This is all we have ever asked for and is something that, obviously, the State is desperate to see never happen.”

Glossip is scheduled to be put to death on Feb. 16, 2023, for his conviction in the 1997 murder of Barry Van Treese.

Glossip was convicted twice of first-degree murder in the murder-forhire plot that accused him of hiring Justin Sneed to kill Van Treese.

Attorneys for Glossip filed two separate motions requesting evidentiary hearings to allow a full review of new evidence, including several

affidavits from witnesses that support the claim that Sneed murdered Van Treese for drug money and that Glossip had nothing to do with this murder.

OCCA ruled that the affidavits “do not provide the clear and convincing evidence that Glossip would like this court to believe.”

The motions filed also claim prosecutors’ misconduct led to Glossip’s conviction.

“We still have another petition pending with the court setting forth Sneed’s desire to recant his testimony against Rich and, most shockingly, documenting the prosecutor’s serious misconduct in coaching Sneed to change his testimony in the mid-

dle of trial,” Knight said. Sneed asked his attorney in a 2003 letter if recanting his testimony was an option. Sneed also wrote his attorney’s office in 2007 implying he wanted to recant his testimony.

A 2014 letter written by Sneed’s daughter claimed her father wanted to recant his testimony and believed it would exonerate Glossip.

Knight said a memo written in the middle of the trial states some of Sneed’s testimony needed to be “cleaned up” because some of it didn’t align with testimony from the medical examiner.

“Contrary to Glossip’s assertion, there is no evidence that Sneed has

ever sought to recant his testimony in any meaningful way,” OCCA ruled.

“Furthermore, none of the other witnesses against Glossip have changed their story.”

A 343-page investigative report requested by an Oklahoma ad hoc committee and produced by the Reed Smith law firm submitted as part of the evidence contains a deep dive into the court case, transcripts, while containing interviews of new witnesses, and new paperwork.

The ad hoc committee is comprised of 62 Oklahoma lawmakers and is led by State Rep. Kevin McDugle, R-Broken Arrow, who said he would fight to end the death penalty in Oklahoma if Glossip is executed

According to the report, members of the jury that were interviewed as part of the independent review said they would not have convicted Glossip if all the evidence that is available today was available then.

“No trial is perfect,” the OCCA ruling states. “But Glossip’s guilt was proven beyond a reasonable doubt before a jury of his peers.”

Knight said attorneys will continue to fight to prove Glossip’s innocence.

“Our fight to free this innocent man will continue,” Knight said. “And we remain optimistic that truth and justice will prevail, both for Rich and the citizens of Oklahoma.”

• Contact Derrick James at djames@mcalesternews.com

State charges dismissed against OSP inmate

By DERRICK JAMES STAFF WRITER

Charges of murder and escape from a penitentiary were dismissed against an inmate after it was determined the state of Oklahoma did not have criminal jurisdiction in the case.

Austin Furr, 21, of Glenpool, is serving a five-year sentence after he was charged as a youthful offender at the age of 16 out of Tulsa County District Court for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Court documents show Furr was charged in January 2022 with murder

in the first degree after he was accused of stabbing 62-year-old Dong Son, his cellmate at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, more than 50 times.

Furr was moved to OSP after his March 2020 escape from the Jackie Brannon Correctional Center in McAlester.

The charges of first-degree murder and escaping from Department of Corrections were dismissed this week after a Pittsburg County judge ruled the state of Oklahoma did not have criminal jurisdiction over Furr due to him being an enrolled member of the Muscogee (Creek) Na -

tion.

Furr brought up the issue in a letter dated Sept. 9 sent to Pittsburg County Special District Judge Brian McLaughlin showing proof of his enrollment in the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

Documents show a 30day hold in the Pittsburg County Jail was placed on Furr to give prosecutors with the Choctaw Nation and the federal government time to decide if charges will be filed against Furr.

An affidavit in the murder case states investigators with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Office of the In -

spector General were called to OSP on Sept. 26, 2021, for a report of an “inmate on inmate homicide.”

According to the report, after Son was pronounced dead at the prison’s infirmary, multiple lacerations and several areas of blunt force trauma were observed by investigators on Son’s body along with paint poured on his face. A search of the cell found numerous bloodlike splatters in the cell along with a “smiley face” drawn in blood on the wall, the report states.

The affidavit states Furr told investigators during an interview that

Son attacked him with a wood block object and that he acted in self-defense and Furr used a “homemade sharpened instrument” made of plastic to stab Son multiple times before he stopped moving.

Furr then told investigators he placed Son’s body onto the lower bunk and laid a bible next to him and “lit up and smoked a marijuana cigarette” before a correctional officer ordered him to be placed into restraints at the door, the affidavit states.

The report states Furr admitted to pouring paint on Son’s face during the

fight and drawing the smiley face on the wall in blood after the incident occurred and flushing the homemade weapon down the toilet.

An autopsy of Son showed the man was stabbed more than 50 times and “findings consistent of strangulation” along with two bite marks on the man’s arm, the report states.

Records show neither the Choctaw Nation nor the federal government have filed charges against Furr as of Thursday.

• Contact Derrick James at djames@mcalesternews.com

Charlie Parr returning for Spaceship Earth show

By JAMES BEATY MANAGING EDITOR

Traveling troubadour Charlie Parr is ready for another Dance with the Rabbit.

Parr’s returning to McAlester Saturday for a free after-hours show at Spaceship Earth Coffee, part of the fall edition of the Dancing Rabbit Music Festival set for Saturday, Nov. 12, in downtown McAlester.

Parr headlined the first-ever Dancing Rabbit Music Festival held May 8, 2021.

“People loved that show,” said Jeremy Beaver of Spaceship Earth. “He was a big favorite, a great surprise.

“He has such a commanding voice,” said Beaver. “We just had to have him back.”

It’s an invitation Parr accepted.

“I’m looking forward to it,” said Parr.

Parrs solo performance is tentatively set to begin around 8:15 p.m. Saturday on the stage inside Spaceship Earth, at 345 E. Choctaw Ave. His performance follows the opening set by the acoustic duo Two Runner, which is expect-

ed to begin around 7 p.m.

Spaceship Earth’s after hours show is not slated to begin until music is completed on the Dancing Rabbit Music Festival’s outdoor stage, which will be set up across the street from Spaceship Earth in the parking lot west of The Icehouse. DRMF’s outdoor stage features headliner John Fullbright, along with the husband-wife duo Ragland and Carter Sampson, who is scheduled to kick off the outdoor show around 3 p.m. Saturday.

Beaver said anticipation is growing for Parr’s return performance.

“We’re hearing from people who heard him last year and are coming back to see him again,” Beaver said. “They’re telling their friends” and many of them are coming too, he added.

Parr’s most recent album is “Last of the Better Days Ahead,” released in 2021 on the Smithsonian

Folkways label, the nonprofit label of the Smithsonian Institution.

Parr’s McAlester performance is the only Oklahoma date on his tour, which began earlier this month in Portland, Oregon, and included a twonight date in Denver, Colorado. He’s touring with the duo, Two Runner, the opening act prior to Parr’s Spaceship Earth performance.

“They’re two ladies,” said Beaver. “One plays clawhammer banjo and the other plays the fiddle.” He described their music as a joining of two disparate regions of the country.

“They’re from northern California,” Beaver said, describing Two Runner’s music as Appalachia-based, with a hint of their California roots added to the mix.

Parr has a wide-ranging field of influences, with favorites including Delta bluesman Charlie Patton and country blues artist Mis-

RAMBLIN’ ROUND

sissippi John Hurt. He cites Texas bluesman Mance Lipscomb as another influence, along with blues and country artists he found in his father’s record collection when he was a kid.

Parr typically plays several stringed instruments during a concert, including a National Resonator steel-bodied guitar, a Mule Resonator, what he calls an ordinary guitar and a 12-string guitar. He takes blues, country and folk influences and creates what’s known as Charlie Parr music.

He spoke with the News-Capital by phone while driving between Denver and his next venue at Manitou Springs, Colorado, with that conversation to be covered in the Saturday edition.

Beaver said there’s been lots of word-of-mouth about Parr’s 2021 Dancing Rabbit Music Festival performance, which is contributing to the anticipation for his Saturday night show.

“It’s sort of a unique way to build and audience, but it may be the most organic way,” said Beaver.

• Contact James Beaty at jbeaty@ mcalesternews.com.

Ramblin’ with Charlie: A freewheeling talk with Charlie Parr as he’s on the road again

Charlie Parr is the epitome of the traveling troubadour, traversing the nation’s highways to bring his music to the people.

He toured Ireland and the United Kingdom in May and also has an enthusiastic following in Australia but this time the highway is leading him back to McAlester, where he headlines the free Dancing Rabbit Music Festival after hours show set for Saturday, Nov. 12, at Spaceship Earth Coffee, 345 E. Choctaw Ave.

He’s set to take the stage sometime around 8:15 p.m., following a set by the opening act, Two Runner a female duo specializing in clawhammer banjo, fiddle and vocals, who are tentatively scheduled to start around 7 p.m.

I say “around” because they will be waiting for completion of the show on the Dancing Rabbit Music Festival’s outdoor stage, in the parking lot west of The Icehouse, close to where Choctaw Avenue intersects with S. Fifth Street.

Carter Sampson kicks off the outdoor show at 3 p.m., followed by Ragland and headliner John Fullbright, with the idea of having Fullbright onstage around sunset, before the after hours show with Two Runner and Charlie Parr inside Spaceship Earth.

Charlie’s a solo artist, with a Resonator steel guitar his instrument of choice, although he’ll pull out a 12-string gui-

James Beaty MANAGING EDITOR

tar, a regular six string, a Mule resonator or a fretless banjo when the mood strikes.

He’s been heating up the highways so much on his current tour that it’s not easy for him to find the time to sit still long enough for an interview prior to his McAlester performance.

Not to worry, though. I have Charlie’s number. When I dial him up, I hear a series of whooshing sounds in the background. Is everything OK?

Oh yeah, said Charlie. “I’m just stuck in traffic here in Colorado.”

Charlie was on the road again, driving from his twonight stand in Denver, on his way to Manitou Springs, Colo., a resort city at the foot of Pike’s Peak. Manitou Springs is also near the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, described as “reassembled ancient cliff structures” and the Garden of the Gods, the sandstone rock formations extending straight up as high as 300 feet, with a view of the usually snow-

topped Pike’s Peak in the distance.

Pike’s Peak has an elevation of 14,500 feet, the highest of the Rocky Mountains first seen by travelers from the east, heading west.

Somehow that seems a fitting place for Charlie as he heads from the West down to the East. He and Two Runners had a gig at Lulu’s Downstairs in Manitou Springs, which is his last show before he launches his way toward Spaceship Earth for his Saturday night performance in McAlester.

That meant a couple of days off for Charlie prior to his Dancing Rabbit gig and he already knew how he wanted to spend them. He’s going to Wichita, Kansas to visit his nephew an artist in his own right, although in a different genre.

“He’s got a bunch of Charlie Parr limited edition T-shirts,” said Charlie, who plans on bringing some of them with him to the Dancing Rabbit Music Fest.

Charlie’s released 13 albums, including his most recent, the acclaimed “Last of the Better Days Ahead” from 2021 on the Smithsonian Folkways label. He liked the title so much, he not only wrote the album around it, but his first book as well.

“The record came out about a year ago,” Charlie said. “When I was writing the record, there was a lot of stuff

that didn’t get used. We edited it into short stories.”

Charlie offered a heads-up on the tone of some of his stories, saying they were not what he called a happy read.

“That’s OK,” I said. “William Faulkner’s stories aren’t a happy read, either” an observation we both found hilarious.

I’m thinking now of the lyrics to Charlie’s intriguing song, “Dog,” sang from the point of view of a canine: “How do you know I don’t have a soul? You can’t look me in the eye and tell me no. When a soul is a soul is a soul is a soul,” Charlie sings I related to Charlie’s lines about a dog’s musings much more than I ever did to Gertrude Stein’s “Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose.”

When I talked to Charlie in 2021 prior to his headlining the first-ever Dancing Rabbit Music Festival, he told me how his dog travels with him and how glad he’d been to find a hotel in McAlester willing to accommodate them both.

Does he have a canine traveling companion with him on this leg of his tour? Unfortunately not. Charlie said the dog he had traveled so many miles with, and who had joined him on his last trip to McAlester, had passed away. Her name was Honeybee.

“She was a big dog,” he said. “She was the sweetest dog.” We fall into a spontaneous mo-

ment of silence in sweet Honeybee’s memory, with no sound but the “swoosh” I can hear over the phone of traffic passing Charlie’s vehicle as he drives toward Manitou Springs.

Then Charlie tells me he has a new dog back home in Minnesota. “I’ve found a rescue puppy,” he said. He hopes to train the pup to travel with him someday. Still, some sadness lingers in the air in Colorado, and in McAlester too, at the loss of the sweet Honeybee.

“Charlie,” I ask, “do you believe a dog has a soul?”

“Sure, I do,” he said. “Me too,” I replied, thinking after all, as Charlie sang himself, “A soul is a soul is a soul is a soul.”

“It’s nice to have a dog,” said Charlie.

On the title song to “Last of the Better Days Ahead,” Charlie whips up a melodic line of the Resonator guitar, as he likens aging to a fondness for an old cars from his youth.

Will he be bringing copies of his albums in vinyl and CD, along with his new book with him to McAlester? Charlie must be a humble guy, because he underestimated the demand for his creations.

Charlie says that he indeed loaded up with those items before he started the tour, but he no longer has them.

Charlie Parr

SIERRA ELLIS | For the News-Capital

CHARLIE PARR returns to McAlester on Saturday.

Pet calendar fun

We thank everyone who participated in the voting for the pet calendar as we enter the final week.

Voters chose which 12 pets will be featured in an upcoming pet calendar — with voters to decide next week which of those 12 pets will be featured no the cover.

Twenty-six pets advanced to the semifinals this week as voters determined the 12 to be featured in an upcoming calendar.

Those 12 include:

• Hank the dog

• Sadey the cat

• Penny the dog

• Orange-gee the chicken

• Louie the dog

• Angel the dog

• Copper the dog

• Brownie the dog

• Mabel Blue the dog

• Sadie and Fancy the dogs

• Hercules the dog

• Aspen the dog

Voters will decide from those 12 finalists which pet will be featured on the cover of the pet calendar during the final round of voting Nov. 14-18.

The final round of voting will again be in-person and mail-in voting. Anyone can pay a 25-cent fee per vote for the pet they want featured on the cover of the pet calendar.

Anyone can purchase any amount of votes for any of the pets in the final round. Anyone can submit their vote and payment at the News-Capital offices at 500 S. Second St. in McAlester or by mailing it in to P.O. Box 987, McAlester, OK 74502.

The News-Capital started the pet calendar last year as fun way to help the Pittsburg County Animal Shelter. A portion of the proceeds from this project go toward purchasing needed items for the Pittsburg County Animal Shelter.

This project is always so much fun for our staff to see the friendly pets — from dogs and cats, to chickens, bunnies, lemurs and more.

We appreciate the community taking part in this fun project and look forward to seeing the final product.

McAlester News-Capital Editorial Board

•

AREA LAWMAKERS

District 7 State Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-MCCURTAIN: 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Ste. 513-B, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105, 405-5215604, warren.hamilton@oksenate.gov.

District 17 State Rep. Jim Grego, R-MCALESTER: 501 State Capitol, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105, 405-557-7381, jim.grego@okhouse.gov

District 18 State Rep. David Smith, R-MCALESTER: 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 250A, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105, 405557-7376, david.smith@okhouse.gov

U.S. Sen. James Inhofe

1924 S. Utica, Ste. 530, Tulsa, OK, 74104, 918-748-5111; 215 E. Choctaw, Ste. 106, McAlester, OK, 74502, 918-426-0933, www. inhofe.senate.gov

U.S. Sen. James Lankford

The Remington Tower, 5810 East Skelly Drive Suite 1000, Tulsa, OK 74135, 918-581-7651

316 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-5754

U.S. District 2 Rep. Markwayne Mullin 1113 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20515, 202-225-2701; 918423-5951; markwayne.mullin@mail.house.gov

NON-EMERGENCY POLICE NUMBERS

HAILEYVILLE PD: 918-297-3521

HARTSHORNE PD: 918-297-2544

KIOWA PD: 918-432-5564

KREBS PD: 918-423-2421

MCALESTER PD: 918-423-1212

OKLAHOMA HIGHWAY PATROL, TROOP D: 918-423-3636

PITTSBURG CO. SHERIFF’S DEPT.: 918423-5858

COMMENTARY

Midterm elections

As I write this column, it’s mid-term election day, so I don’t really know yet how several key races will turn out. Many seem too close to call.

Regardless of who wins, I do know the democratic process will live on. Often times it would seem better if candidates would only focus on their own accomplishments rather than all the negative of their opponent.

The legislative process here in the state begins in earnest after the election as each party convenes, selects leadership and party priorities for the upcoming first session of the 59th Legislature. Because representatives face reelection every two years, the House changes at least that often. This means new committee chairs and vice chairs must be selected. We must reelect the speaker and speaker pro tempore. We elect a new caucus chair, etc.

Things work pretty quick for new

members. Our first deadline to request bills or joint resolutions to be drafted is Dec. 9. Legislators work with legal staff to draft the language, and they must be formally filed by Jan. 19. The first day of session is Feb. 6.

Also this week, I wish to thank every veteran as we celebrate Veterans Day

COMMENTARY

this Friday. We have grown up in the land of the free, but we too often take this freedom for granted. So many freedoms we would not be able to enjoy had it not been for our military presence and our veterans who protect us. I plan to participate in both Hartshorne’s and Wilburton’s Veterans Day parades. I had requested a military flyover from our National Guard and was hopeful this would take place. Unfortunately, last week I was notified this would not be able to happen, so I immediately submitted again for next year. We shall see.

As always, thank You for allowing me to serve you. I can be reached at (405) 557-7381 or by email at jim. grego@okhouse.gov.

• Jim Grego serves District 17 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Latimer County and parts of LeFlore and Pittsburg counties.

Dedication ceremonies thank local veterans

Tuesday was a big day in Oklahoma as more than a million people turned out to vote in the general election. I hope that everyone who voted researched the candidates and expressed their own thoughts and feelings in their votes.

Voting is a fundamental right in our nation, and in honor of Veterans Day, I want to recognize the sacrifices made to keep our country free and safe.

Last week, I had the honor of attending two very special ceremonies to dedicate portions of roads and bridges to two local veterans.

On Nov. 1, a section of State Highway 71 in Haskell County was named the Harold Haltom Memorial Highway. Master Sgt. Harold Haltom enlisted in the Army in 1948 at the age of 17. After training as a cavalryman, he later joined “C” Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division in the Korean War.

In 1950, his squad was under enemy fire on numerous occasions, during which Master Sgt. Haltom sustained multiple injuries. After recovering, he continued his service in France, Germany, and Fort Riley, Kansas, before retiring at Fort Sill after 24 years.

He received numerous recognitions throughout his military career, includ-

ing the Bronze Star with a V “valor” device and two Purple Hearts with Oak Leaf Cluster. He also received a state award for most veterans recruited for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) while serving as Commander of VFW Post 8798 in Eufaula.

I'm very glad Master Sgt. Haltom was able to attend the dedication ceremony along with many of his family members so we could publicly honor him. Thank you to the members of VFW Post 8798 and members of the Shriners and Masonic Lodge who attended as well to recognize Master Sgt. Haltom's service.

On Nov. 4, I attended the dedication ceremony for the Sgt. Billy Rodgers Memorial Bridge, which crosses Coal

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

•

Creek on U.S. Highway 50 in Panama, Oklahoma.

Sgt. Rodgers was from Panama and was killed during the Korean War at the age of 19. He was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 31st Regimental Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division.

On Dec. 2, 1950, his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, and Sgt. Rodgers was reported missing in action. His remains were identified on April 9, 2020, and he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in September 2021.

I was honored to meet two members of Sgt. Rodgers' family who attended the ceremony as we remembered this young man's bravery and willingness to serve his country. I also want to thank Panama City Councilman Kenny Morgan for spearheading this memorial dedication.

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any concerns at 405-557-7375 or randy.randleman@ okhouse.gov. Thank you for the honor of representing House District 15!

• Rep. Randy Randleman, a Republican, serves District 15 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which covers Haskell County and portions of Muskogee, Sequoyah, LeFlore, Pittsburg and McIntosh counties.

Letters are subject to review by the newspaper’s editorial board.

Sponsorship and business thank-you letters will not be published.

Letters may be edited to conform to style and for content and clarity.

Letters that are slanderous or libelous will not be published.

Send letters to Editor, P.O. Box 987, McAlester, OK 74501 or editor@ mcalesternews.com.

FIRST AMENDMENT: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Rep. Jim Grego DISTRICT 17

Rep. Randy Randleman DISTRICT 15

“I’m sold out,” he said but all of the items are still available on his website, he helpfully advises.

Two Runner, the duo consisting of clawhammer banjoist and guitarist Paige Anderson teamed with fiddler Emilie Rose, have been opening for Charlie on his tour. The Northern California lasses create a sound that’s been de-

Angels ...

Angels will be available for anyone to pick up on Monday at the McAlester News-Capital offices at 500 S. Second St. in McAlester.

Every angel on the tree is numbered, so anyone purchasing gifts for an angel must number the gifts. Gifts must be new and unwrapped.

Sponsors for angels can contact the News-Capital office now so we can take your name and number to send you an angel after all nominations have

scribed as everything from primitive country to a fresh take on Appalachian folk.

Charlie said it’s been lots of fun touring with them with their McAlester performance at Spaceship Earth the final show of their dual tour.

““It’s been fantastic,” Parr said. “That will be our last show together. It’s kind of sad.”

Plans call for Charlie to take a little time off before heading north on a trajectory that begins

been received.

Anyone who would rather make a donation or volunteer to shop for angels can also contact the News-Capital.

Checks need to be made to the McAlester News-Capital Angel Tree.

Donations of new unwrapped toys, hygiene items, wrapping paper and holiday gift sacks will also be accepted.

Volunteers and staff will help package and deliver everything to designated areas for the angels.

The Angel Tree started three years ago as idea to help community mem-

or our great men and women.

in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Fargo, North Dakota. Somehow that 48 degree high along with sunny skies forecast in McAlester for Saturday doesn’t seem quite as chilly as it did. Anyway, Charlie and Two Runner are playing on the inside stage at Spaceship Earth, even if it does get a bit cooler outside when the sun goes down.

Charlie cites some early blues singers as among his earliest influences, including Texas blues artists Lightnin’

bers during the holidays at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

News-Capital representatives and the Lions Club members partnered to start the project and community members jumped at the chance to offer support from the first day.

People selected more than 150 angels on the first day the tree became available three years ago and 278 children in need received a gift and clothes in the inaugural event.

Last year’s event helped more than 300 children in need in and around Pittsburg County

cluding Toby Clawson, who enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.

Hopkins and Mance Lipscomsb.

“His first record on Arhoolie was in my dad’s record collection,” Charlie said of Lipscomb. “That’s how I learned to play.” Then, he pauses a moment and adds “I’m still learning.”

We talk about his plans for his next album on Smithsonian Folkways. “I think it will be a double album,” Charlie said. All the songs are written for it and Charlie said he wants to line up some guest artists on several

and Tolliver Chevrolet partnered to help make the project even bigger this year.

Angels are placed on a tree at the News-Capital to represent a child in and around Pittsburg County needing assistance over the holidays. Each child on the tree is anonymous and receives at least one outfit, shoes, toys, jacket, and gloves along with one small toy.

Children qualify to be on the Angel Tree if they are from a family experiencing financial crisis.

School counselors and administrators nominated children to benefit

tracks when he records them.

Meanwhile, thinking of Pike’s Peak while listening to Charlie’s music reminds me of a line from Walt Whitman’s poem, “Song of Myself.” I’m thinking of the line where Whitman says “I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world.”

Not that I’m likening Charlie’s soulful bluescountry-folk vocals to Whitman’s “barbaric yawp.” I’m not thinking of Charlie’s vocals at all,

from the Angel Tree project. School staff can submit a list of students to Owens at rowens@mcalesternews.com by no later than Nov. 15th.

The list must include the following information:

• Gender

• Age • Shoe size

• Pant size

• Top size

• Needs • Wants.

School staff should also identify a size if the student requests a coat.

Submissions without student names should be labeled in a way the school staff can identify

but rather his masterful playing on his steel resonator guitar and the ringing sounds he summons from it as he moves his slide up and down the strings.

In Charlie’s case it would be more like “I sound my metallic twang over the roofs of the world.” Yeah, that’s it, Charlie.

Long may you sound your metallic twang and long may you keep on playing.

• Contact James Beaty at jbeaty@mcalesternews.com.

what they submit for each child.

If students have younger siblings in school, those siblings can be added to the list as long as the submission identifies them as family so they receive the same number of gifts.

School staff should also list the last day of school before the holidays break so the gifts can be delivered in time.

Anyone with further questions can contact Owens at 918-421-2010 or Lexey Lund at 918421-2016.

• Contact Adrian O’Hanlon III at aohanlon@mcalesternews.com

“Duty to our country is one of the reasons people want to serve in the military,” he said, but today less than 1% of the population serves in the nation’s armed forces.

“I challenge all veterans here today to tell your story as to why you served in the military,” Hammond said. “If you’re a veteran, I urge you to share your story.”

Hammond gave a special nod to veterans of the war in Vietnam. “Pittsburg County has double the number of Vietnam veterans than anywhere else in the state,” he said.

Turning again to all veterans, Hammond said “In the U.S., we have 18 million veterans. We hon-

“Our veterans throughout our history have kept us free,” said Hammond. “Thanks for your service.”

The McAlester Army Ammunition Plant Color Guard conducted the posting the colors to open the program.

Dory Francis performed renditions of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Amazing Grace.” U.S. Army Chaplin Rick Dominic-retired, gave an invocation. Admiral Dr. John Cotton, retired, led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Rev. Don Brown offered opening and closing prayers.

During the ceremony, Col. Hammond and Admiral Dr. John Cotton-retired, presided over the swearing-in ceremony for the nine new recruits, in-

Dr. Cotton, along with World War II veterans Ralph Perona and Col. Dr. Ron Schatzman, retired, were given special recognition

Also, Mayor Browne read a proclamation to those attending the event.

“The citizens of McAlester have great admiration and gratitude for the men and women who served their country and this community in the Armed Forces,” Browne said.

Browne noted the Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in present use and was initially created as the Badge of Military Merit by General George Washington in 1782.

“The Purple Heart was

the first American service award or decoration made available to the common soldier and is specifically awarded to members of the United States armed forces who have been wounded or paid the ultimate sacrifice in combat,” Browne said.

“The city of McAlester appreciates the sacrifices our Purple Heart recipients made in defending our freedom and acknowledges those men and women for their courage by showing our support and honor,” he continued.

“Now, therefore, I, John Browne, mayor of the city of McAlester, Oklahoma, do hereby proclaim the city of McAlester as a Purple Heart City,” said Browne.

A ceremony is set at 1 p.m. Dec. 7 at the J.I. Stipe Center to celebrate

•

jbeaty@mcalesternews.com.

McAlester’s recognition as an official Purple Heart City, the mayor said.

Local musician Ralph Cox performed a set of songs during the Veter-

ans Day event, with lunches served by volunteer waitresses from area restaurants.

Contact James Beaty at

JAMES BEATY | Staff photo

NEW RECRUITS, including Air Force recruit Toby Clawson, right, raise their hands as they are sworn into the U.S. military by McAlester Army Ammunition Plant Commander Col. Michael Hammond during the Veterans Day Luncheon held Friday at the Scottish Rite Temple in McAlester.

FRANCIS HOSPITAL SOUTH LAUREATE

Paul Thomas, M.D. Rebecca Auld, PA-C

Zach McCormick, APRN-CNP

REVENGE

14

McAlester defense seals win over Collinsville

By DEREK HATRIDGE SPORTS EDITOR

COLLINSVILLE Chaz

Bradley made a read on the ball, and soon found nothing but wide-open turf in front of him.

The senior defensive back got a 98-yard picksix in the final seconds Friday to seal a 27-14 win for seventh-ranked McAlester at Collinsville in a rematch of last year’s state championship game to open the 2022 playoffs.

“I kept looking at the score, and I just wanted to do anything for my team,” Bradley said. “I just had to do anything. Watch the ball, watch the quarterback.”

Coach Forrest Mazey said he was proud of McAlester (9-2) for overcoming adversity for a the win at Collinsville (9-2).

“We found a way that’s what I tell the kids,” Mazey said. “For us, we had to get that monkey off our back…and we found a way to push through and bust through it. So that’s what I’m proud of the most.”

McAlester advanced to the state quarterfinals next week to play Piedmont (7-4) which took a 60-41 win Friday against Midwest City (83).

OSSAA rules state if

neither playoff team won its district and neither team hosted in the first round, the team on the even-numbered line of the bracket in even-numbered years will host the second round. McAlester is listed second on the playoff bracket.

Mazey said he wants fans to be all in again next round.

“Buffs nation, let’s ride,” he said. “You’ve got to be there in full force. It’s the quarterfinals, with a chance to go to Thanksgiving day. That’s all we can ask for.”

Bradley got McAlester started Friday with a big return and the Buffs kept driving with Ethan Watkins capping off the drive with a 15-yard touchdown.

McAlester’s defense held strong to keep the 6-0 lead through the

opening quarter.

Collinsville drove past midfield in the second quarter but Watkins picked off a pass and took it 59 yards to the house for a 12-0 lead with four minutes until halftime.

A Cardinals touchdown just before the half nar-

rowed McAlester’s lead to 12-7 entering the break.

The second half started with a pair of defensive stops from both teams, but Collinsville finally connected on a five-yard touchdown pass to take a two-point lead through three quarters.

McAlester’s defense held Collinsville late with multiple third- and fourth-down stops, then took back over on offense at its own two before quickly driving downfield.

McCarty later took a handoff and slipped through the defense for a 48-yard touchdown adding a two-point conversion to put the Buffs up six with just more than three minutes remaining.

Collinsville put together a drive of its own, with the Cardinals powering down to the three-yard line. But the home team let it fly, and the ball hawk Bradley snagged it out of the air for the Buffs and took it to the house to shut the door and advance McAlester to the quarterfinals.

McCarty finished with 18 carries for 130 yards and the touchdown, while Caden Lesnau went 10of-18 passing for 86 yards.

• Contact Derek Hatridge at dhatridge@mcalesternews.com.

Small School Roundup: Quinton advances with dominant playoff win

By DEREK HATRIDGE SPORTS EDITOR

When the green machine took the field, they left no doubt.

Quinton hosted Welch in the opening round of the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association Class B State football playoffs, with the green machine rocketing out to a 54-6 win.

Quinton (8-2) put itself on the board early and often, blasting out for 48

points in the first quarter. Welch (8-3) had a responding touchdown in the second quarter, but Quinton added one more to seal away the win.

The green machine will advance to the second round of the Class B playoffs, and will travel to face off against B-No.

5 Regent Prep, who beat Summit Christian 55-0 on Friday.

WOODLAND 42, HARTSHORNE 6

Hartshorne hosted Woodland in the opening round of the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association Class A State football playoffs, where the Miners fell 42-6.

Woodland (7-4) got on the board first, scoring two quick touchdowns to take an early lead. But the Miners responded with a 67-yard drive at the start of the second quarter to score and make it a 14-6 game.

But Woodland responded with a scoring run to take a 36-6 lead at the half.

Both teams fought to the end but it’d be the Cougars taking the win and advancing to the next round.

The Miners finish the season with a record of 7-4, and an appearance in the OSSAA Class A State football playoffs.

• Contact Derek Hatridge at dhatridge@mcalesternews.com.

DEREK HATRIDGE | Staff photo

THE MCALESTER DEFENSE, including Brayden Bumphus and Dakota Moton, celebrate a stop during the first half of the Buffs’ playoff-opening game at Collinsville on Friday.

DEREK HATRIDGE | Staff photo

QUINTON TOOK a dominant win over Welch to advance in the OSSAA Class B State football playoffs on Friday.

DEREK HATRIDGE | Staff photo

MCALESTER SENIOR CHAZ BRADLEY slammed the door on Collinsville with a 98-yard pick six to seal away the Buffs’ 27-14 win over the Cardinals in a Class 5A Championship rematch on Friday.

McAlester’s Seth Sam signs with Murray State

Seth Sam has been looking forward to this moment his entire life.

The Buffalo senior signed his National Letter of Intent to play college baseball for Murray State College during a signing ceremony at McAlester High School on Tuesday, and said a wave of relief washed over him as he signed on the dotted line.

“I was really excited,” Sam said. “I’ve been looking forward to it for a really long time.”

Sam said he was first contacted by Murray State over the summer, and forged a relationship with the coaches. Later after an official visit, Sam said a simple text message ended up changing his life.

“He texted me later that week and said ‘we want you to come play ball for us,’” he said. “It was really exciting for me and my family.”

Sam’s journey through baseball started early, and said he has been doing it so long that he’s grown up with a baseball glove on his hand.

“As long as I can remember,” he said. “It’s been second grade, first grade t-ball.”

And when asked what was his favorite part of the game, Sam said he loves being put into tight situations. He pointed to his pitching and the mindset that goes with it as the strongest points of his game.

But what’s his best pitch?

“Live with the fast ball,” he smiled, recently clocking in at 87 mph.

“First pitch, get a strike.”

Sam and the Buffaloes have seen many successes, including a return to the state tournament for the first time since 2012 last season. He said it was an incredible roller coaster experience for

himself and the McAlester community.

“A lot of emotions not only for me, but everyone else,” Sam said. “And getting to share the feeling with everyone else and the team.”

Baseball isn’t the only thing Sam will be work-

ing towards while at Murray State. Sam said he also wants to also study and get a degree in business. After college graduation, he wants to attend the University of Oklahoma and earn his degree in meteorology.

But as he looked back on his life, Sam said

there had been a number of people that have been with him every step of the way both on and off the baseball diamond.

“My coaches, my parents have always been there,” he said. “My youth group, I’ve had my youth pastor there. He’s been a

big part of everything.”

Sam will be getting to live out his dream of playing college baseball next season. And he passed along wisdom to the next generation that too want to see their dreams come true saying hard work and preparation were key.

“It’s not just all game day,” Sam said. “It’s the week building up to the game, and just really focusing on the game. Not so much getting distracted or paying attention to everybody else.”

• Contact Derek Hatridge at dhatridge@mcalesternews.com.

CANDICE SAM | Submitted photos

MCALESTER’S SETH SAM signed his National Letter of Intent to play college baseball for Murray State College next season during a signing ceremony at McAlester High School on Tuesday.

Florida doctors use saliva test to reveal someone’s future risk for Alzheimer’s

By CINDY KRISCHER GOODMAN SOUTH FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL(TNS)

Florida doctors are using a new test to determine someone’s future risk for Alzheimer’s disease from a few drops of spit.

At a time when the disease’s prevalence is rising, the saliva test called genoSCORE analyzes more than 114,000 different genes to provide a score of 0 to 1 for your risk of getting Alzheimer’s. A score of .5, for example, means you have a 50% of developing Alzheimer’s at some point in your life.

Dr. Jeffrey Gelblum of First Choice Neurology, which has 41 locations in six Florida counties in -

cluding Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach, said his medical practice has partnered with Cytox, the UK developer, to start using the tests. Gelblum, whose office is in Aventura, said he already has prescribed the test to four patients in their 30s and 40s with a parent who has Alzheimer’s disease but who do not have symptoms yet.

“Your risk is based on a continuum,” Gelblum said. “If you get a zero, you have no chance. Anything over .5, there are multiple clinical trials I could place you in that give pre-symptomatic patients the ability to access promising new drug therapies.”

He adds that lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, also have signif-

icant positive results for those testing for high risk of Alzheimer’s.

For some, the drawback of the saliva test may be the price: The test kits available to anyone over 18 cost $599 and are not currently covered by insurance. They can be done at home, but to get a test kit requires a physician’s prescription.

Research shows that people who have a parent or sibling with Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop the disease than those who do not have a first-degree relative with it, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and by 2050, this number is projected to more than double.

This is not the first and only test to look at the genetic link. DNA testing kits like 23andme look for a variant in the APOE gene associated with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. But Gelblum says the genoSCORE test is more sophisticated and is processed at a lab with CLIA accreditation, which ensures patient test results are accurate and reliable. “This looks at many more genes that contribute to the Alzheimer’s condition,” he said. The test has been used in Europe since 2021. Gelblum said he has been using spinal fluid to assess risk on patients showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s, but has added this saliva test, which is less invasive and can detect risk earlier. “This

could give us more information than a spinal tap, especially on younger patients who have years to go before they show symptoms.”

“The Alzheimer’s treatment space is robust right now,” Gelblum said.

“That is why this test is so important.”

Stefanie Wardlow, senior program manager and research champion for the Alzheimer’s Association cautions that genetic testing that indicates high risk doesn’t mean you are going to get Alzheimer’s. Instead, she said, tests that look for biomarkers through a PET scan, spinal tap or blood show whether someone has amyloid plaque or tau tangles in the brain, hallmarks of the disease. “Those are

true indicators you could have the disease later in life.”

Wardlow said a lot of attention is focused on prevention. Researchers nationally want to find out who is at highest risk in order to implement strategies to curb the disease before it progresses, she said.

Some research has found people who are genetically predisposed and adopt a healthy lifestyle were able to reduce their chances of getting Alzheimer’s.

Nationally, new research studies funded by federal grants are looking at drugs that show promise for treatment including a monoclonal antibody.

Haven’t seen your doctor in a few years? You may need to find a new one

By MICHELLE ANDREWS KAISER HEALTH NEWS(TNS)

When Claudia Siegel got a stomach bug earlier this year, she reached out to her primary care doctor to prescribe something to relieve her diarrhea. The Philadelphia resident was surprised when she received an online message informing her that because she hadn’t visited her doctor in more than three years, she was no longer a patient.

And since he wasn’t accepting new patients, she would have to find a new primary care physician.

“I think it’s unconscionable,” Siegel said, noting that many patients may have stayed away from the doctor’s office the past few years because of the COVID pandemic. “There was no notification to patients that they’re on the verge of losing their doctor.”

Though it is dismaying to learn you’ve been dropped from a physician’s practice because a few years have passed since your last visit, the approach isn’t uncommon. Exactly how widespread the experience is, no one can say. But specialists also do this.

The argument for dropping the occasional patient makes some sense. Since many primary care doctors have a waiting list of prospective patients, removing those they rarely see opens up patient slots and improves access for others.

“Most primary care practices are incredibly busy, in part due to pentup demand due to COVID,” said Dr. Russell Phillips, director of Harvard Medical School’s

Center for Primary Care and a general internist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

“Even though continuity of care is important, if the patient hasn’t been in and we don’t know if they’re going to come in, it’s hard to leave space for them,” he said. Patients often move away or find a different doctor when their insurance changes without notifying the practice, experts say. In addition, physicians may seek to classify people they haven’t seen in a long time as new patients since their medical, family, and social history may require a time-consuming update after a lengthy break. Patient status is one element that determines how much doctors get paid.

Still, the transition can be trying for patients.

“I can completely understand the patient’s perspective,” said Courtney Jones, a senior director of case management at the Patient Advocate Foundation. “You believe you have a medical team that you’ve trusted previously to help you make decisions, and now you have to find another trusted team.”

Siegel said she rarely went to the doctor, adhering to her physician father’s counsel that people shouldn’t go unless they’re sick. Although she hadn’t been to her doctor’s office in person recently, Siegel said she had corresponded with the practice staff, including keeping them up to date on her COVID vaccination status.

After receiving the online dismissal through the patient portal for the Jefferson Health system,

Siegel called the family medicine practice’s patient line directly. They told her three years was the protocol and they had to follow it.

“I asked, ‘What about the patient?’” Siegel said. “They didn’t have an answer for that.”

It was a month before Siegel, who has coverage under Medicare’s traditional fee-for-service program, could see a doctor who was accepting new patients. By that time, her stomach virus symptoms had resolved.

Jefferson Health doesn’t have a policy that patients lose their doctor if they’re not seen regularly, according to a statement from spokesperson Damien Woods.

However, he said, “Patients not seen by their provider for three years or more are classified in the electronic medical records as new patients (rather than established patients), per Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidance. Whenever possible, Jefferson works with these patients to keep them with their primary care

provider and offers options for new providers in certain circumstances.”

American Medical Association ethics guidelines recommend that physicians notify patients in advance when they’re withdrawing from a case so they have time to find another physician.

But the organization, which represents physicians, has no guidance about maintaining a panel of patients, said AMA spokesperson Robert Mills.

The American Academy of Family Physicians, which represents and advocates for family physicians, declined to comment for this story.

A primary care physician’s panel of patients typically includes those who have been seen in the past two years, said Phillips, of Harvard. Doctors may have 2,000 or more patients, studies show. Maintaining a workable number of patients is crucial, both for effective patient care and for the doctors.

“Practices realize that a major contributor to physician burnout is having

more patients than you can deal with,” Phillips said.

Demand for physician services is expected to continue to outstrip supply in the coming decades, as people age and need more care at the same time the number of retiring physicians is on the upswing. According to projections from the Association of American Medical Colleges, by 2034 there will be a shortage of up to 48,000 primary care physicians.

Maintaining a regular relationship with a primary care provider can help people manage chronic conditions and promptly identify new issues. Regularly checking in also helps ensure people receive important routine services such as immunizations and blood pressure checks, said Dr. David Blumenthal, a former primary care physician who is president of the Commonwealth Fund, a research and policy organization.

Health care organizations increasingly focus on requiring doctors to meet certain quality metrics, such as managing patients’ high blood pressure or providing comprehensive diabetes care. In this environment, “it could be problematic for physicians to be accountable for the health of patients who do not see them,” Blumenthal said.

Money also figures into it. Steady visits are good for a practice’s bottom line. Practices may also decide to avoid new Medicare patients or those with certain types of insurance because the payments are too low, said Owen Dahl, a consultant with Medical Group Management Association, an organization for health

care managers.

In general, doctors aren’t obligated to continue seeing a patient. A doctor might dismiss patients because they aren’t following clinical recommendations or routinely cancel or miss appointments. Belligerent or abusive behavior is also grounds for dropping a patient.

In certain instances, physicians may be legally liable for “patient abandonment,” a form of medical malpractice. State rules vary, but there are common elements. Those rules generally apply when a doctor harms a patient by dropping them abruptly at a critical stage of treatment. It would generally not apply if a patient has not seen the physician for several years.

Even though quietly dropping a seldom-seen patient might not have an immediate medical consequence, patients ought to be informed, experts said.

“It’s really good customer service to explain the situation,” said Rick Gundling, senior vice president at the Healthcare Financial Management Association, an organization for finance professionals. As for Siegel, he said, “This woman should not be left hanging. If you’re the patient, the physician should be proactive.”

• KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

DREAMSTIME | TNS

Veterans Day luncheon

t ADRIAN O’HANLON III Staff photos

Check out scenes from the 2022 Veterans Day Luncheon at the McAlester Scottish Rite Center.

LAKE REPORT

Northwest Canton: Nov. 7. Elevation is below normal, water temperature 60°F and clear. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on cut bait, jigs and live bait around main lake, points, and rocks. Report submitted by Brayden Hicks, game warden stationed in Blaine County.

Foss: Nov. 7. Elevation is 4.5 ft. below normal, water temperature 62°F and clear. Striped bass hybrids good on slabs in deep water. Catfish good on cut bait. Walleye good on worms on bottom.

Crappie fair around docks. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.

Northeast

Fort Gibson: Nov. 7. Elevation is 2 ft. below normal, water temperature 63°F and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, lipless baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, main lake, points, and riprap. White bass fair on jigs, sassy shad, and slabs around main lake and points. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait and shad around main lake and river channel. Report submitted by Ben Haff, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.

Greenleaf: Nov. 6. Elevation is normal, water temperature 63°F and stained. Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, jerk baits, minnows, plastic baits, small lures, and worms around brush structure, coves, docks, points, shorelines, and standing timber. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, live bait, shad, and worms around channels, coves, and docks.

Crappie fair on hair jigs, in-line spinnerbaits, jigs, minnows, and small lures around brush structure, coves, and docks. Report submitted by Dylan Langford, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Keystone: Nov. 7. Elevation is 4.5 ft. below normal, water temperature 53°F and stained. Crappie fair on jigs and live bait around brush structure and docks. Striped bass fair on live shad below the dam, main lake, and river channel. Blue and channel catfish slow on cut bait and live bait around channels, coves, docks, and river channel. Report submitted by Bradley Magby, game warden stationed in Creek County.

Lower Illinois: Nov. 4. Elevation is normal, water temperature 67°F and clear. Rainbow trout fair on caddis flies, in-line spinnerbaits, midges, nymphs, and PowerBait below the dam. Comments: Best times are early morning and late evening below the dam and at the Watts area. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.

Perry CCC: Nov. 7. Elevation is normal, water temperature 64°F and murky. Rainbow trout slow on dough bait and small lures around brush structure, coves, and flats. Report submitted by Stephen Paul, game warden stationed in Noble County.

Sooner: Nov. 7. Elevation is 1 ft. below normal, water temperature 60°F and clear. Striped bass hybrids fair on crankbaits, jigs, and live shad around discharge and main lake. Saugeye slow on crankbaits, jigs, and live bait around discharge and main lake. Blue catfish slow on cut bait and sunfish around discharge. Report submitted by Stephen Paul, game warden stationed in Noble County.

Tenkiller: Nov. 6. Elevation is 5.5 ft. below normal and rising, water temperature 68°F and murky. Largemouth and smallmouth bass good on jigs, plastic baits, and rogues around channels, points, and shorelines. Crappie good on minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, docks, and shorelines. Report submitted by Cody Youngblood, game warden stationed in Cherokee County. Webbers Falls: Nov. 6. Elevation is normal, water temperature 63°F and stained. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, bill baits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around coves, points, and shorelines. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, goldfish, minnows, shad, and worms below the dam, main lake, river channel, and tailwater. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, small lures, and worms around brush structure, coves, shorelines, and standing timber. Report submitted by Dylan Langford, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Southeast Eufaula: Nov. 4. Elevation is 5 ft. below normal, water temperature 60°F and stained. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, points, and riprap. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, live shad, and shad around channels, river channel, and river mouth. Crappie slow on crankbaits, small lures, and spoons around brush structure, flats, and main lake. Report submitted by Jake Rowland, game warden stationed in McIntosh County. Konawa: Nov. 6. Elevation is normal, water temperature 60°F and clear. Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, and plastic baits around points, river channel, and weed beds.

– ODWC

Giving a lot of hoots

Northeastern State University biologists are in the woods and on the job, doing research for a project.

I love the moniker used by this group of researchers working on the Oklahoma Northern Sawwhet Owl Project – the “Owl Gals.” This effort was inspired by a similar program in Arkansas. Dr. Kim Smith and Mitchell Pruitt set up a northern saw-whet owl banding station at the Ozark Natural Science Center several years ago.

After Dr. Mia Revels, a professor of biology at NSU, and Laura Hulbert, an undergraduate student at NSU, visited the Arkansas Northern Saw-whet Project, they decided to set up banding stations locally.

The Owl Gals partnered with the Nature Conservancy to establish Oklahoma’s first northern saw-whet owl banding station to see if the miniature birds were as rare in Oklahoma as some people believed.

Dr. Revels and Hulbert, along with NSU graduate student Abbey Ramirez, began their project in 2016 in Cherokee County.

“The purpose of this project is to help fill in the knowledge gap of northern saw-whet owl migratory movements in the south central United States,” said Ramirez.

“The northern saw-whet owl is a very quiet and secretive species, especially during fall migration. They are difficult to document with normal surveying techniques as they stay hidden and are not vocal. This has led to people believing that they are a rare visitor in Oklahoma.”

Its name comes from the sound made when alarmed. The sound resembles the sound of the ‘whetting” or sharpening of a saw on a whetting stone. Thus, the name “saw-whet” owl.

The small owls are known by their primary “advertising” sound of a series of too-too-too toots which can sound like a large truck backing up. They can keep up that sound for up to an hour and the call is loud and travels far.

The owl is small and weighs only about three ounces. It stands about 5-6 inches in height, has a head that is large and it has no ear tufts.

A unique Y-shaped white marking appears between its eyes and the owl also has a brown and white striped belly. It’s nocturnal and feeds primarily on deer mice, other small rodents, birds, bats and insects.

Although it’s a bird of prey itself, the northern saw-whet owl is targeted by bigger birds such as great horned owls. The average lifespan in the wild is about seven years while the oldest saw-whet known was over 9 years old.

While small, the saw-whet owl is considered very feisty for its size.

Its normal range is the northern United States and Canada.

Previously, only 14 saw-whet owls have been recorded in Oklahoma.

The NSU researchers used four 12-meter mist nets set up in a line, overlapping slightly. Next,

they used an audio lure that plays the northern saw-whet owl call on a loop to draw them in.

When the owls would swoop down to check out the noise, they were caught in the nets.

The Owl Gals started the audio caller 30 minutes after sunset and checked the nets every hour until at least midnight.

Once an owl is caught, the Owl Gals carefully remove the owl, place it in a cloth bag to transport it back to the banding station where it is processed (banded, weighed, age and sex recorded and its condition checked). The bands are marked with a unique number so individual owls can be tracked.

Back in 2017, Ramirez noted the banding station yielded 18 saw-whets from October to November.

“Historically, they were thought to be a rare visitor during fall migration in Oklahoma,” she said. “Our project shows they are more common than thought. During last season, we had a lot of issues with wind and lunar illumination that may have negatively impacted our results.”

The wind causes the mist nets, used to capture the owls, to blow and could cause the owls to see and avoid the nets. High lunar illumination can make the nets

more visible to the owls and possibly cause them to avoid the nets, she said.

“The plan is to set up two net lanes, one in the same location and the other in a more closed and protected area, protected from wind and lunar illumination, to see what impacts wind and lunar illumination has on northern saw-whet owl captures,” said Ramirez.

In 2020 and 2021, Hulbert continued the project at two different sites. As of this moment, the Owl Gals have banded a total of 64 northern saw-whet owls in northeastern Oklahoma. Last year, they had their very first owl recaptured by another individual.

An owl they banded on Nov. 18, 2021 was caught just north of Dallas on Nov. 29 last year. This helps give the Owl Gals an idea on where these owls are migrating. This season, they are in the process of setting up a Motus Wildlife Tracking station, and attaching small radio transmitters on the captured owls to get a better idea of where they are going. This gives a more detailed idea of the individual bird’s migration route, rather than relying on another station to recapture one of their banded birds.

The newest Owl Gal, Hulbert said, is a graduate student just

beginning her research, Jackie Cosmai.

“This year, we have captured three saw-whets, but have run into the same trouble we have had in the past: warm evening temperatures, strong winds, and low cloud cover on nights with high lunar illumination,” Hulbert said. “The next week and a half is peak migration, so there is plenty of time left in this season to catch more.

“Our process with the nets, audio lure, and hourly checks remains the same. We also continue to record the bird’s weight, age, sex, and health condition. Our procedure is quite standardized and we try to remain consistent. The only part of this process that has changed in 2022 is adding the small transmitters before releasing the owls.”

Mark your calendar: Hulbert will be giving a lecture in the spring to the Oklahoma City Audubon Society at the Will Rogers Garden Center on Monday, March 20 at 7 p.m. for those who are interested in learning more.

For further information about this project, you may check out their Facebook page, Oklahoma Northern Saw-whet Owl project.

Reach John Kilgore at jkilgoreoutdoors@yahoo.com.

JOHN KILGORE

PROVIDED A

released by NSU researchers during their study.

Stuck with one foot out the door

DEAR ANNIE: My husband and I have been together for nearly 30 years, but we have been growing apart over the past seven or eight, despite marriage counseling that didn’t seem to help. About six years ago, he was diagnosed with an illness that he is on the mend from now. Although I craved divorce, I couldn’t bring myself to leave him while he was ill. During this time — while I’ve been supportive, being the sole breadwinner, taking care of the house and yard, and staying ultra involved in his medical visits and treatments — he has consistently lied to me about things big and small.

He is of retirement age but acts like a child, refusing to take responsibility or accountability for anything. Physically, he has allowed himself to downslide as well. I don’t believe he’s had a physical affair with anyone, but I did find out about a porn addiction. He moved out of our bedroom 12 years ago with no explanation and hasn’t initiated physical contact with me in at least that long.

While his medical condition is improving and he should make a complete recovery, I am still reluctant to leave him to deal with this alone. His very small family and few friends are incapable of helping; my job provides good medical insurance that allows him to see a specialist. He seems to depend on me for all household and financial responsibilities. But I am utterly miser-

ASTROGRAPH

BY EUGENIA LAST

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2022

able, and all I think about is how to leave him. I know he has no love for me, he doesn’t appreciate me, and that I’m nothing more than the person who shares floor space and “takes care of it” so he doesn’t have to. Is it wrong of me, just north of 50 years old, to crave peace and want to be alone? I can’t imagine being unhappier than I am right now. But the guilt of leaving him while he’s still undergoing medical treatment keeps me stuck. — To Go or Not to Go in the Northeast

DEAR NORTHEAST: The decision to end a marriage is a huge one and not to be taken lightly, but what you’ve shared tells me you already know this. Although your husband has been facing an illness, maintaining the relationship you two have is a battle you cannot fight alone. If he isn’t cooperative, and his behavior runs the gamut from lying to potentially cheating to being generally despondent, it makes the hole you two are in that much deeper and harder to get out of.

I would recommend sitting down with your husband and your couples therapist again for the most frank discussion you’ve had yet. It sounds as though you two are staying in your marriage simply for the sake of it, but you can’t spend another number of years being miserable — either of you. Whether you decide to pursue counseling again and give your marriage another real shot or call it quits, you’ve reached an impasse you can no longer continue with. At a certain point, you have to consider what you want for yourself beyond the role of being someone’s wife and honor that.

It’s also possible to continue being supportive and of help to your husband even if you’re no longer married to him. After 30 years together, he will forever hold a special and important place in your life, and you’ll share a bond whether that’s with or without vows. But if things have truly run their course, you both should be free to move into the next stage of your lives and find your joy again.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.

NEA CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Take it upon yourself to do what makes you happy. Be responsible for what comes next instead of giving others jurisdiction over your future. Take the road less traveled if it will bring your desired results. Follow your intuition, and you’ll have no regrets. Refuse to let your emotions cost you. Tell the truth, love yourself and walk away from unpleasant situations.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Play to win and protect what you have worked hard to acquire. Adjust your appearance and how you present yourself to others. Address your living conditions and you’ll find good solutions.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Focus on whatever makes you happy. Make plans with a loved one to give you something to look forward to. Be careful when it comes to shared space or expenses. Equality matters.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Do things your way, and others will marvel over your talent. Spending quality time with someone you love will lead to a better understanding of how you can make big improvements.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Patience is a virtue and will help you maintain your dignity when dealing with difficult people. Size up the situation and take a step back. Do your own thing and allow others the same freedom.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Fixing up your place will lift your spirits and prompt you to entertain. Don’t let trivial matters frustrate you. Distance yourself from unsavory situations, and you’ll save time and money.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Bide your time. Don’t sign up for something you can’t handle. Look inward and focus on self-improvement, health and taking care of business. Protect your assets.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — Take a step back, breathe and rethink your strategy. A timeout will allow you to see pitfalls you may have overlooked. Establish your position and proceed with caution. Share with a loved one.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Concentrate on what’s essential. Showing discipline, putting in a little extra work and being prepared to step up when needed will pay off. Be on the lookout for exciting proposals.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Share your thoughts and feelings, and socialize with people who make you think and inspire your imagination. A change of scenery will broaden your scope and encourage new beginnings.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — Take care of your responsibilities. Arguing or taking on a losing battle will not help your reputation or position. If you want to make a difference, live up to your promises.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Talks will lead to change that will transform the way you do things. Don’t waste time opposing the inevitable; get with the program and be part of the solution. Independence begins with you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Keep things in perspective. It will be easy to overreact due to exaggeration or failure to verify facts. Don’t discuss matters unless you have the proof you need.

CELEBRITY CIPHER

BY LUIS CAMPOS

BORN LOSER® BY ART AND CHIP SANSOM

ZITS® JERRY SCOTT & JIM BORGMAN

MACANUDO® BY LINIERS

MODERATELY CONFUSED® BY JEFF SAHLER FAMILY CIRCUS®

ARLO & JANIS® BY JIMMY JOHNSON

BIG NATE® BY LINCOLN PEIRCE

BABY BLUES®

FRANK & ERNEST® BY BOB THAVES

GRIZZWELLS® BY BILL SCHORR

BLONDIE®

DILBERT® BY SCOTT ADAMS

Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Dear Annie® SYNDICATED COLUMN

AYE: Charlie Rogers, Ross Selman NAY: None. Motion Passed. Meeting Adjourned.

PITTSBURG COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 20, 2022

The Board of County Commissioners, Pittsburg County, met in special session on October 20, 2022 at 10:00 A.M.., Meeting held at the Pittsburg County Commissioner’s Conference Room, after proper notice and agenda were posted indicating time and date. Agenda was posted at 9:28 A.M., October 18, 2022.

ROLL CALL: The meeting was called to order by Chairman Smith. Kevin Smith, Present. Charlie Rogers, Present. Ross Selman, Present.

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Selman made a motion to approve the agenda; seconded by Rogers.

AYE: Kevin Smith, Charlie Rogers, Ross Selman NAY: None.

Motion Passed.

4. RECOGNITION OF GUESTS/PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.

5. AGENDA ITEMS:

A. APPROVE/DISAPPROVE FINAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023:

Smith stated that all corrections found during previous meetings have been made. Smith stated that the budget maker has had problems with the computer program. Smith asked for any questions. Selman sked about raises to salaries. Smith stated that the budget includes a $200.00 monthly raise for employees and a $90.00 raise for offcials. Offcials statutory raises were discussed. The board moved down the agenda to item 5B.

B. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AWARD VENDOR TO PERFORM UPGRADES TO THE FIRE ALARM SYSTEM AT THE SOUTHEAST EXPO CENTER: The following quotes were received.

VENDOR AMOUNT

JE Systems $51,965.00 Summit Fire $69,798.00 $26,218.00 alternate 1 $17,178.00 alternate 2

Sandra Crenshaw stated that JE Systems is the lowest quote. Smith stated that Summit Fire also included two alternates. Selman made a motion to award the quote to JE Systems; seconded by Rogers.

AYE: Kevin Smith, Charlie Rogers, Ross Selman NAY: None. Motion Passed. The board moved back up the agenda to item 5A.

A. APPROVE/DISAPPROVE FINAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023: Matt McGowan asked about raises. Mike Kern explained the raise of $200.00 for employees and $90.00 for offcials. Selman made a motion to approve the budget; seconded by Rogers.

AYE: Kevin Smith, Charlie Rogers, Ross Selman NAY: None. Motion Passed.

6. RECESS/ADJOURNMENT:

GROCERIES $ 707.88 003087 001245

GROCERIES $ 508.00 Total: $ 1,215.88 0001-5-0900-1110 003610 001246

COOPERATIVE EXTENSIVE SER. PERSONAL SERVICES $ 17,333.33 Total: $ 17,333.33 0001-6-0800-2005 003517 001247 COMPTON ELECTRIC LLC ELECTRICAL WORK $ 238.84 Total: $ 238.84 Health 1216-3-5000-1110 003581 000100 OKLA. STATE DEPT. OF HEALTH PERSONAL SERVICES $ 49,545.76 Total: $ 49,545.76 1216-3-5000-1310 002985 000101 SKIRVIN HOTEL LODGING $ 480.00 Total: $ 480.00 1216-3-5000-2005 003218 000102 QFS LLC FIRE EXTINGUISHER INS $ 256.50 003400 000103 WALLER-HILL, KAREN REIMBURSEMENT $ 52.00 003401 000104 CITY OF MCALESTER MONTHLY SERVICE $ 552.57 003535 000105 PITNEY BOWES GLOBAL FINANCIAL S POSTAGE METER LEASE $ 439.80 003537 000106 AT&T MOBILITY MONTHLY SERVICE $ 304.80 003538 000107 AT&T MOBILITY MONTHLY SERVICE $ 254.00 003540 000108 FITZGERALD, MATTHEW HEATH CONTRACT LABOR $ 671.00 Total: $ 2,530.67 Highway 1102-6-4100-2005 001306 000870 H20 DEPOT WATER & COOLER RENT $ 18.40 002172 000871 OTA PIKEPASS TOLL CHARGES $ 8.35 003624 000872 OKLA. NATURAL GAS COMPANY MONTHLY SERVICE $ 49.25 003625 000873 OKLA. NATURAL GAS COMPANY MONTHLY SERVICE $ 33.75 Total: $ 109.75 1102-6-4300-2005 002786 000874 DIRECT DISCOUNT TIRE TIRES $ 2,133.00 002838 000875 FLEET PRIDE SPRINGS $ 515.96 002839 000876 YELLOW HOUSE MACHINE RADIATOR $ 691.70 002892 000877 FLEET PRIDE EQUIPMENT PARTS $ 154.11 002893 000878 RAM INC FUEL $ 4,631.10 002963 000879 RAM INC FUEL $ 2,576.00 002975 000880 WHITES TRACTOR & EQUIP CYLINDER $ 100.00 002988 000881 STANDARD MACHINE & WELDING PRESSURE WASHER PA $ 124.85 002997 000882 P & K EQUIPMENT INC FUEL CAP $ 24.18 003003 000883 LOWES PRE MIXED FUEL ETC $ 250.18 003004 000884 WALMART COMMUNITY CARD BROOMS ETC $ 96.47 003005 000885 OK TIRE

147.90 Total:

32,743.51 Jail-ST 1315-2-8034-2005 003578 000283

OF OKLAHOMA MONTHLY SERVICE $ 116.45 003579 000284

CO. OF OKLAHOMA MONTHLY SERVICE $ 8,389.44 Total: $ 8,505.89 1315-2-8034-2011 003485 000285 WALMART COMMUNITY CARD MEDICAL SUPPLIES $ 389.27 003516 000286 CARING HANDS HEALTHCARE CENTE INMATE PRESCRIPTIONS $ 1,012.45 003606 000287 CITY OF MCALESTER INMATE MEDICAL $ 658.00 Total: $ 2,059.72 Rural Fire-ST 1321-2-8203-2005 000039 000327 COMDATA FUEL $ 178.29 Total: $ 178.29 1321-2-8205-2005 001902 000328 COMDATA FUEL $ 316.09 003207 000329 T & W TIRE TIRES $ 353.97 Total: $ 670.06 1321-2-8206-2005 001906 000330 SNOW, TITUS LAWN CARE $ 375.00 003408 000331 P & K EQUIPMENT RADIATOR ETC. $ 1,229.11 Total: $ 1,604.11 1321-2-8207-2005 001706 000332 EMERGENCY APPARATUS MAINTENA PUMP TEST ETC. $ 1,732.14 003588 000333 EMERGENCY APPARATUS MAINTENA PUMP ETC. $ 1,407.48 003589 000334 OKLA. NATURAL GAS COMPANY MONTHLY SERVICE $ 49.25 Total: $ 3,188.87 1321-2-8214-2005 002667 000335 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES INC. CHAINSAW ETC $ 1,866.43 Total: $ 1,866.43 1321-2-8216-2005 001895 000336 COMDATA FUEL $ 746.39 Total: $ 746.39 1321-2-8218-2005 003587 000337 PUBLIC SERVICE CO. OF OKLAHOMA MONTHLY SERVICE $ 81.32 003614 000338 OKLA. NATURAL GAS COMPANY MONTHLY SERVICE $ 27.29 Total: $ 108.61 1321-2-8227-2005 003425 000339 KIAMICHI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE MONTHLY SERVICE $ 534.67 Total: $ 534.67 1321-2-8228-2005 001889 000340 COMDATA FUEL $ 195.56 Total: $ 195.56 SH Commissary 1223-2-0400-2005 002956 000071 COMMISSARY EXPRESS INHOUSE COMMISSARY $ 3,912.68 003239