LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas -- Arkansas Secretary of State Cole Jester has identified more than 1,000 duplicate voter registrations as a result of new data sharing partnerships, marking a significant development in the state’s ongoing efforts to protect the integrity of Arkansas elections.

Through analysis of data shared from the states of Tennessee and Alabama, the Jester Administration has confirmed that 1,267 individuals appear to be registered to vote in both Arkansas and one of these two states. Secretary Jester will be working with officials in Arkansas, Tennessee, and Alabama to ensure whichever registration is inaccurate is removed.

"I've promised the most secure elections in the country since day one as Arkansas Secretary of State," said Secretary Jester. “These findings underscore why this work matters. The data is real, the duplicates are documented, and we are acting on it. This is exactly why Arkansas pursued these agreements—to identify problems and address them before they undermine confidence in our elections.”

The Arkansas Secretary of State’s Office is continuing to seek additional data from other states and expects further findings as more information is received.

This effort represents a decisive step forward in ensuring Arkansas’s voter rolls are accurate, lawful, and secure and demonstrates the state’s commitment to taking immediate action when irregularities are identified.

 _{A groundbreaking ceremony at 3 p.m. Monday at 300 Garrison in Fort Smith will mark the official start of construction on the new building replacing the structure previously demolished due to a fire in 2024.}

_{The event also celebrates the commitment of Bricktown Brewery returning and rebuilding alongside of Griffin Properties of Fort Smith.}

_{The new two-story building will substantially resemble the previous structure. The downstairs will be a Bricktown Brewery restaurant and bar, and the upstairs will, once again, be an event space named Adelaide Hall.}

_{Griffin Properties of Fort Smith is the developer of the downtown project. The architect is Chasen B. Garrett Architects, PLLC.}

_{Construction is expected to last about a year.}

Friday’s scores

Basketball

Boys

Hartshorne 58, Heavener 38

Hanna at Bokoshe (No score reported)

Cameron 60, Wister 55

LeFlore 41, Gans 36

Panama vs. Kinta (No score reported)

Poteau 62, Shidler 29

Colcord 60, Spiro 46

Coalgate 55, Talihina 49

Whitesboro 50, Cave Sprints 28

Girls

Hartshorne 54, Heavener 48

Hanna at Bokoshe (No score reported)

Cameron 40, Kinta 13

LeFlore 57, Buffalo Valley 15

Panama 73, Wister 45

Jenks JV 50, Pocola 39

Poteau vs. Oklahoma Union (No score reported)

Warner 36, Spiro 34 (OT)

Tishomingo 37, Talihina 31

Whitesboro 63, Webbers Falls 18

Saturday’s schedule

Cameron, LeFlore, Panama, Wister at Rock Island Conference; Whitesboro at River Valley Shootout; Pocola girls at Hulbert Tournament; Poteau at Hominy Tournament; Spiro at Warner Tournament.

To make an addition or correction, please text (918) 206-0546.

On Friday, the Indiana Hoosiers delivered a commanding performance in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, dismantling the Oregon Ducks with a final score of 56-22.

Played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta before a crowd of over 75,000—dominated by a sea of red-clad Indiana fans.

The game marked a historic rout for the undefeated No. 1 Hoosiers (now 15-0) and a disappointing end to Oregon's season at 13-2.The Hoosiers wasted no time asserting dominance.

On the game's opening play, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was intercepted by Indiana defensive back D'Angelo Ponds, who returned it for a pick-six touchdown just 11 seconds in.

This early strike set the tone for Indiana's relentless defense, which forced three first-half turnovers and scored touchdowns off them.Fernando Mendoza, Indiana's Heisman Trophy winner, orchestrated a masterful offensive display.

The quarterback threw five touchdown passes, showcasing precision and poise against a talented Oregon secondary. Key highlights included a 36-yard strike to Charlie Becker, where Becker out-jumped his defender for a contested catch, pushing the lead to 28-7 late in the first half.

Mendoza also connected with Omar Cooper Jr. for an 8-yard score and E.J. Williams Jr. for a 13-yard touchdown, among others. He supplemented his passing with effective runs, keeping Oregon's defense off balance.Indiana's running game added balance, with players like Kaelon Black punching in short-yardage touchdowns.

The Hoosiers built a commanding 35-7 halftime lead, scoring 28 unanswered points at one stretch. Their defense racked up sacks, tackles for loss, and a blocked kick, suffocating Oregon's offense throughout.Oregon struggled to find rhythm.

Moore, a projected high NFL draft pick, faced constant pressure, resulting in sacks and turnovers—including a fumble on an RPO play. The Ducks managed occasional highlights, such as a methodical touchdown drive capped by a pass to Jamari Johnson and a later score with a two-point conversion, but they never threatened a comeback.

Their limited rushing options—due to injuries and absences—hampered their ability to control the clock or sustain drives.The blowout was emblematic of Indiana's season under head coach Curt Cignetti, who has built a powerhouse known for dominant margins. T

he Hoosiers overwhelmed opponents with explosive plays, physicality, and turnover creation. This victory avenged no prior loss but solidified their status as the nation's top team, having already defeated Oregon 30-20 in the regular season on the road.

With the win, Indiana advanced to the CFP National Championship against Miami, marking the program's first-ever appearance in the title game. For Oregon, the loss represented a second consecutive early CFP exit despite high expectations.

The game showcased why Indiana has been nearly unstoppable: a balanced attack led by a star quarterback, a havoc-creating defense, and a fanbase that turned Atlanta into a home-field advantage. It was a statement performance that will be remembered as one of the most lopsided CFP semifinal results in recent history.

The weather forecast for LeFlore County, southeastern Oklahoma, and western Arkansas predicts mostly clear skies for Saturday, followed by a cold Saturday night.

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Looking back at the numbers for our area:

Calendar of events for the next week for Heavener, LeFlore County, southeastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas. The calendar is a free service for our readers. If you know of an event coming up,, please CONTACT me.

Saturday

Celebration of life service for Billy Howard Cullers

High school basketball: Cameron, LeFlore, Panama, Wister at Rock Island Conference; Whitesboro at River Valley Shootout; Pocola girls at Hulbert Tournament; Poteau at Hominy Tournament; Spiro at Warner Tournament.

Monday

LeFlore County commissioners meet 9 a.m.

High school basketball: Quinton at Howe

Area school boards meet

Tuesday

Graveside services for Avis Pilcher 

High school basketball: Heavener at Talihina; Howe at Westville; Cameron at Arkoma; LeFlore at Red Oak; Stigler at Pocola; Checotah at Poteau; Smithville at Whitesboro.

Poteau Evening Lions Club meet 6 p.m. CASC

Wednesday

Poteau Rotary Club meets noon EOMC

Thursday

Poteau Kiwanis Club meets noon EOMC

HUA, City Council meet 6 p.m.

Heavener VFW bingo 6:30 p.m.

High school basketball: Heavener at Vian; LeFlore at Gans; Poteau at Panama; Battiest at Talihina

LeFlore County Republicans meet 6 p.m. Patrick Lynch Library

Friday

High school basketball: Spiro at Heavener; Talihina at Howe; Arkoma at Gans; Cameron at Bokoshe; Pocola at Hartshorne; Muldrow at Poteau; Red Oak at Whitesboro

Significant Events, Births, and Deaths on This Day

·       1920: The League of Nations formally comes into existence, marking a significant step in international diplomacy following World War I.

·       1946: The first General Assembly of the United Nations convenes in London, laying the foundation for global cooperation after WWII.

·       1964: The U.S. House of Representatives votes on the War on Poverty, launching a series of programs aimed at reducing poverty in America.

·       1990: Time Inc. and Warner Communications Inc. complete a merger, forming one of the world's largest media companies.

·       2000: America Online announces an agreement to purchase Time Warner for $162 billion, the largest corporate merger in history at the time.

·       1945: Rod Stewart, British rock singer-songwriter known for hits like "Maggie May" and "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?"

·       1949: George Foreman, American boxer and two-time world heavyweight champion.

·       1953: Pat Benatar, American singer-songwriter with a string of rock hits in the 1980s.

·       1978: Sarah Shahi, American actress known for roles in "Person of Interest" and "Fairly Legal."

·       1987: Cesar Azpilicueta, Spanish professional soccer player who plays for Chelsea F.C. and the Spanish national team.

·       1862: Samuel Colt, American inventor and industrialist, founder of Colt's Patent Fire-Arms Manufacturing Company.

·       1928: Thomas Hardy, renowned English novelist and poet, author of "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" and "Far from the Madding Crowd."

·       1976: Howlin' Wolf (Chester Arthur Burnett), influential American blues singer and guitarist.

·       2002: Roy John Britten, American molecular biologist recognized for his work on DNA.

·       2016: David Bowie, legendary British musician, actor, and cultural icon, passes away two days after his 69th birthday.

Lillian “Lea” Hanna passed away Jan. 9, 2026 at the age of 86 years. She was born Dec. 11, 1939 in Leachville, Arkansas, the third of five daughters of Everett Ray and Lillie May Murphy Fortson.

Her visitation is Sunday from 3. until 5:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas. A small family service is planned for later at Square Rock Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home.

Survivors are a son James Hanna and wife Ginger; a daughter Elainea Allen and husband Joe; a daughter-in-law, Carolyn Hanna; six grandchildren Jimmy Hanna (Terra), Charlie Allen, Jenny Ravey, Hannah McCullah (Blaine), Montana Jennings (David), and Michael Hanna (Sarah); a step-grandson Indy Luther; great-grandchildren: Braden, Caden, Kennedy and Kadie Hanna; Briar Allen; Jacob and Rylee Ravey; Allen McCullah; Legend and Ellis Turpin and Onalee Jennings; and step-great-grandchildren, Gabriel Luther, Hunter Covey, Breanna Vaughan and Jackson Vaughn.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jim, her parents; a son, Kenny Hanna; a grandson Christopher Hanna; and four sisters Billie, Mary, Barbara and Brenda.