Write on Beehiiv

LeFlore County legals for this week.

Legals 1

Legals 2

Mortgages

The Howe Board of Trustees will meet in a regular business meeting 6:30 p.m. Monday in Howe’s City Hall.

HERE is the agenda

OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma Human Services recently received partial federal funding that allows us to take steps to strengthen and stabilize the child care subsidy program. These updates are part of a coordinated stabilization plan designed to allow for expanding access where funding permits, sharing changes early so families and providers can plan, and protecting the program for the long term.  

Program Updates:  

Effective January 12, 2026: Extend Access for Children Ages 6–8 

Beginning Jan. 12, 2026, child care subsidy access for children ages 6, 7, and 8 will be available to support working families with early elementary-age care needs.   

At this time, the pause on renewals and new applications remains in place for children ages 9–12, with exceptions for children in foster care, placed for adoption, with disabilities, experiencing homelessness, or whose families are receiving emergency financial assistance through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).   

Effective January 12, 2026: Support for Families Receiving TANF 

Beginning January 12, 2026, families receiving emergency financial assistance through the TANF program are now included among the program’s exemptions and may be served through the child care subsidy program for children up to age 13.    

Effective April 6, 2026: Ending of the COVID-Era $5/day Add-Ons 

On April 6, 2026, the pandemic-era $5 per day add-on will end for all recipients. This temporary enhancement was funded through time-limited federal pandemic resources that are no longer available. Sharing this update now is meant to give families and providers time to plan ahead.   

Effective July 1, 2026: SMI Eligibility Realignment 

On July 1, 2026, income eligibility will return to 55% of State Median Income, consistent with pre-pandemic guidelines and federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) priorities.   

Together, these updates help strengthen the child care subsidy program by expanding support where funding allows and making thoughtful adjustments over time. Our goal is a more stable, predictable program that families and providers can rely on today and in the years ahead.  

All eligibility for the child care subsidy program is reviewed at the time of application or renewal and remains in place through a family’s next renewal date, as long as household income remains within program guidelines.  

Families can apply in person at their local OKDHS office or by calling (405) 522-5050. Current recipients of child care subsidy benefits can check their renewal status at OKDHSLive.org.  

Oklahoma Human Services remains committed to supporting families and providers by strengthening access to child care while responsibly managing the program for the future.

MUSKOGEE – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Kendall James Hopper, 62, of Smithville was sentenced to time served for one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm.

 The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police, and the LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office. 

On June 9, 2025, Hopper pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, on January 2, 2024, law enforcement dispatched to a Smithville, Oklahoma residence discovered Hopper in possession of one lever-action .30-.30 caliber rifle.  At the time of the incident, Hopper had been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment.  

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. 

The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.

Arkansas takes care of Ole Miss

Final Stats     

OXFORD, Mississippi – Trevon Brazile made two clutch 3-pointers late in the first half and two late in the second half while Darius Acuff Jr. scored 26 points with nine assists and Bill Richmond III did not miss a shot to lead #15 Arkansas to a 94-87 victory at Ole Miss Wednesday night at The Pavilion. 

Arkansas used two runs in the first half to lead by 10 at the break. In the second, Arkansas never relinquished the lead but also just steadily kept the Rebels at bay, outscoring Ole Miss 55-52. 

Brazile hit 3-pointers with 5:07 left and 4:20 left to put the Hogs up 13 (88-75. However, the Rebels did use a 7-0 run inside the final minutes to work their deficit to six (88-82). A 3-pointer by Koren Johnson with 1:59 remaining and a 3-pointer by Ilias Kamardine with 1:01 got the Rebels to within four twice. 

Acuff made a floater in the lane with 35 seconds left and Brazile wade a free throw with 24 seconds left to provide the 94-87 final. 

Acuff only had six first-half points on 3-of-8 shooting with three assists. In the second half, Acuff took over with 20 points, making 11-of-12 free throws, with six assists. 

Brazile finished with 18 points (4-of-7 from 3-point) with six rebounds. Richmond was 5-of-5 from the field, 1-of-1 from 3-point and 2-of-2 at the line in scoring 13 points. Meleek Thomas added 13 points and Karter Knox scored 10. 

Ole Miss was led by Malik Dia and Kamardine, each with 16 points. 

Arkansas stays on the road to play at Auburn on Saturday. Tipoff is set for 5 pm and the game will be televised on ESPN.

Oklahoma fishing report for this week, courtesy of the Department of Wildlife.

NORTHEAST 

Grand: January 3. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 49°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, docks, and shorelines. Blue catfish fair on cut bait and shad below the dam, docks, and main lake. Crappie slow on hair jigs, jigs, and minnows around brush structure and docks. Report submitted by Riley Willman, game warden stationed in Delaware County. 

Keystone: January 5. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 57°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, bill baits, crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, plastic baits, small lures, and spinnerbaits around brush structure and rocks. Blue and channel catfish good on live bait and live shad around channels, creek channels, and river channel. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure, docks, and shallows. Report submitted by Tracer Wagner, game warden stationed in Creek County. 

Lower Illinois River: January 2. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 52°F and clear. Rainbow trout good on caddis flies, in-line spinnerbaits, midges, nymphs, PowerBait, and worms below the dam, shallows, and shorelines. Comments: Check USACE websites for river generation times. Report submitted by Jerry Henry, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County. 

SOUTHEAST 

Broken Bow: January 3. Elevation is 6 ft. below normal and falling, water temperature 54°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, bill baits, crankbaits, flukes, in-line spinnerbaits, plastic baits, and spoons around brush structure, creek channels, main lake, points, river channel, and standing timber. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, and spoons around brush structure, creek channels, points, and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, punch bait, and stinkbait around channels, coves, points, and river mouth. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County. 

Hugo: January 2. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 54°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth and spotted bass slow on crankbaits, hair jigs, jigs, and plastic baits around points, riprap, river channel, and standing timber. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, and live bait around creek channels, points, river channel, and spillway. Crappie slow on jigs, minnows, and plastic baits around points, river channel, and standing timber. Report submitted by Chance Phillips, game warden stationed in Choctaw County. 

Konawa: January 4. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 50°F and clear. Largemouth bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, jerk baits, and plastic baits around main lake, points, river channel, and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, and live shad around discharge, inlet, main lake, and river channel. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait, and shrimp around discharge, inlet, riprap, and rocks. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County. 

McGee Creek: January 2. Elevation is 6 ft. below normal and falling, water temperature 45°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth and spotted bass excellent on Alabama rigs, bill baits, crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, jerk baits, jigs, lipless baits, plastic baits, and small lures around brush structure, points, shallows, shorelines, and standing timber. Channel and flathead catfish excellent on chicken liver, cut bait, shrimp, and stinkbait around creek channels, flats, and main lake. Report submitted by Shay Loudermilk, game warden stationed in Atoka County. 

Sardis: January 2. Elevation is 0.5 ft. below normal and stable, water temperature 49°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, lipless baits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, points, shorelines, and standing timber. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on shad, stinkbait, sunfish, and worms around brush structure, channels, main lake, points, and standing timber. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County. 

Texoma: January 4. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 58°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Striped bass good on flukes and live shad around channels, main lake, points, and river channel. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live shad, and punch bait around creek channels, points, and river mouth. Crappie fair on caddis flies, jigs, minnows, and nymphs around brush structure, coves, docks, main lake, points, and timber standing. Comments: Fishing this week has been good for striper. They continue to bite on live shad around channels and ledges. Catfish are good on live bait near the river mouth and channels. Crappie are okay near brush piles and docks with brush on jigs. Report submitted by Garrett Beam, game warden stationed in Marshall County.

Residents across LeFlore County should keep their umbrellas and weather radios handy today. The forecast for Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, calls for a split day of precipitation, starting with steady morning showers followed by a more active afternoon.

While the morning starts with light rain, the atmosphere is expected to shift after noon. Scattered thunderstorms are projected to develop throughout the afternoon. Local residents should be aware that some storms may become strong enough to produce hail.

[Click Here to View Our Live Weather Radar]

Today’s high of 73°F is unseasonably warm for an Oklahoma winter. In fact, if the forecast holds, we may break the record high of 71°F set back in 1984.

Wednesday remained dry with a high of 73°F and a low of 54°F. Currently, our monthly rainfall total for January stands at just 0.10 inches, significantly behind the monthly average of 3.10 inches. Today’s expected 50% rain chance could provide a much-needed boost to those totals.

Sun Cycle:

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.

Thursday

Poteau Kiwanis Club meets noon EOMC

Heavener City Council meets 6 p.m.

Heavener VFW bingo 6:30

High school basketball: Cameron, LeFlore, Panama, Whitesboro, Wister at Rock Island Conference; Pocola girls at Hulbert Tournament; Spiro at Warner Tournament; Talihina at Tushka Tournament

Friday

Funeral services for James Alvin Burton: 

Dawn Renee Culberson funeral service 

High school basketball: Heavener at Hartshorne; Hanna at Bokoshe; Cameron, LeFlore, Panama, Whitesboro, Wister at Rock Island Conference; Pocola girls at Hulbert Tournament.

Saturday

Celebration of life service for Billy Howard Cullers

High school basketball: Cameron, LeFlore, Panama, Whitesboro, Wister at Rock Island Conference; Pocola girls at Hulbert 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

Significant Events That Happened on Jan. 8

·       1815 – The Battle of New Orleans:

·       The final major battle of the War of 1812 was fought between American forces, led by Major General Andrew Jackson, and the British Army. The American victory, despite the war having officially ended with the Treaty of Ghent, made Andrew Jackson a national hero.

·       1918 – President Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points:

·       President Woodrow Wilson outlined his Fourteen Points to Congress, proposing principles for peace to help end World War I. These points shaped the post-war world and the foundation of the League of Nations.

·       1959 – Charles de Gaulle Becomes President of France:

·       Charles de Gaulle was inaugurated as the first president of France’s Fifth Republic, helping to stabilize the country after years of political turmoil.

·       1964 – President Lyndon B. Johnson Declares "War on Poverty":

·       During his State of the Union address, President Johnson announced his ambitious policy agenda to reduce poverty in the United States.

·       1973 – The Trial of Watergate Burglars Begins:

·       The Watergate scandal, which eventually led to President Richard Nixon’s resignation, took a major step forward as the trial of the burglars commenced in Washington, D.C.

·       Elvis Presley (1935–1977):

·       Renowned American singer and actor, often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll," was born on January 8.

·       David Bowie (1947–2016):

·       Influential British singer, songwriter, and actor, known for his distinctive voice and groundbreaking music, was born on this day.

·       Stephen Hawking (1942–2018):

·       Celebrated British theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author, was born on January 8.

·       1976 – The United Nations Security Council votes 11-1 to allow the Palestine Liberation Organization to participate in a Security Council debate.

·       2002 – President George W. Bush signs the No Child Left Behind Act into law, reforming education policy in the United States.

I was 16 when I ended up in a hospital bed and heard three words that changed my life: type 1 diabetes. What I didn't know then -- and what too few doctors acknowledge today -- is that dietary changes are often the best way to combat the disease.

For decades, doctors have treated type 1 diabetes as if insulin alone could manage it. But despite billions poured into drugs and devices, most people with type 1 diabetes still don't achieve recommended blood sugar control. I know this firsthand, as a scientist and someone living with type 1 diabetes. 

When I was first diagnosed, I did what everyone told me to do: count carbs, take insulin, and hope the numbers balance out. I lived with constant blood sugar swings that left me exhausted and discouraged. 

I tried different strategies, but nothing took me off the rollercoaster. My health only began to improve when I tried a diet that would put me into therapeutic ketosis. Because carbohydrates raise blood glucose higher and faster than insulin can lower glucose, cutting them out of my diet nearly entirely made my blood sugar levels far more predictable. Almost immediately, my blood glucose levels normalized and I needed less insulin. My mental health improved.

The science backs this up. 

Multiple studies have shown that people with type 1 diabetes on low-carb diets can lower their blood sugar into the normal range -- slashing the risk of long-term complications like brain, vision, and nerve damage.

I've even added my own case in the scientific literature so researchers can benefit from the findings. For more than 10 years on a ketogenic diet, I've kept my HbA1c around 5.5% -- the healthy target for someone without diabetes -- while cutting my insulin use by 43%. 

Insulin is still essential. Every person with type 1 diabetes needs it to survive. But eating in a way that minimizes blood sugar swings allows me to use insulin the way it was intended -- to normalize glucose levels.

This isn't "fringe." Ketogenic diets were standard of care in diabetes treatment dating back to 1797. Despite centuries of evidence, nutrition remains an afterthought in diabetes care. Over two-thirds of healthcare professionals are uneducated about these strategies. 

Insurance coverage for nutrition and monitoring remains patchy at best. Access to continuous glucose monitors has improved in recent years, but patients still face hurdles with high costs and insurance denials. And ketone monitoring -- a critical safeguard for those of us on low-carb diets -- is inconsistently covered. 

If my health results had come from a new drug, it would be hailed as a breakthrough. Because the intervention is food, our system dismisses it. That must change.

After 17 years with type 1 diabetes, my life isn't dictated by blood sugar chaos. Insulin saves lives -- but pairing it with low-carb diets transforms them. It's time for our healthcare system to catch up.

Dr. Andrew Koutnik, PhD, is a research scientist specializing in nutrition, exercise, and stress on metabolic health, and an advisory committee member for the Coalition for Metabolic Health.

Dawn Renee Culberson of Wister was born Oct. 20, 1967 in Tahlequah to Robert and Connie (Williams) Culberson and passed away Jan. 5, 2026 in Poteau at the age of 58. 

Funeral service is 10 a.m. Friday at Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener, with Pastor Kevin Coto officiating. Arrangements are under the care of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener. 

Dawn was a longtime resident of the area and an LPN. She was a 1985 graduate of Heavener High School and a 1988 graduate of KTC Vo-Tech, where she received her LPN degree. Dawn was a member of the Pentecostal Church in Poteau.  She loved spending time with family and friends. 

Survivors are two daughters Taylor Warren and husband Robert of Wister, and Stormi Eaton and husband Daniel of Wister; two sons Teddy Janway and wife Hillarie of Poteau, and Sabastian Culberson and wife Cherokee of Vian; two sisters Stephanie Duncan of Phoenix, Arizona and Shannon Duncan of Phoenix, Arizona; eight grandchildren; her aunt, Donna Barnard, of Texarkana, Arkansas; her uncle, Chuck Williams, of Tahlequah; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Connie Culberson; and a brother, John Culberson.   

Viewing is from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday. The family will visit with friends on Thursday from 5 until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. 

To sign Dawn’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.