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State representative pleads guilty
OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Ayshia “Ajay” Pittman pleaded guilty to felony charges related to submitting a forged check to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission following an investigation by Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s office. As part of her sentence, Pittman will resign from her elected position in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
According to the charges, Pittman directed the creation of a falsified check, which was then submitted to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission in an attempt to avoid repayment of funds to her campaign account. The scheme involved altering and creating a false $2,500 check and using a computer network to transmit the fraudulent document to state officials while representing it as genuine.
Pittman appeared before a judge this morning and pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit a Felony, Forgery in the Second Degree, and Violating the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act.
"Public officials hold a sacred trust with the people they serve," said Drummond. "When that trust is violated for personal gain, it strikes at the very heart of our institutions. This office will continue to hold elected officials accountable when they abuse their positions and betray the public's confidence. No one is above the law in Oklahoma."
Besides resigning from her position as a state representative, Pittman will receive a seven-year deferred sentence. She will also pay full restitution for the misused campaign funds to a charitable organization, with both parties agreeing which organization will receive the funds.
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission has separately voted to accept a settlement agreement with Pittman related to these matters.
Oklahoma fishing report
Oklahoma fishing report for this week.
NORTHEAST
Grand: January 25. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 35°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits and plastic baits around docks, points, and shorelines. Crappie fair on hair jigs and jigs around brush structure and docks. Blue catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, and shad around docks and main lake. Report submitted by Riley Willman, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Kaw: January 26. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 33°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Paddlefish good snagging below the dam. Comments: Large portions of the lake are frozen. Snagging below the dam remains good where open water exists. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Kay County.
Keystone: January 26. Elevation is 1 ft. below normal and stable, water temperature 42°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, bill baits, in-line spinnerbaits, plastic baits, small lures, and spinnerbaits around brush structure. Blue catfish good on live bait and live shad around main lake and river channel. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure. Report submitted by Tracer Wagner, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois River: January 26. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 46°F and clear. Rainbow trout fair on caddis flies, in-line spinnerbaits, midges, nymphs, PowerBait, small lures, spoons, and worms below the dam, shallows, and shorelines. Comments: Check USACE websites for water generation schedule from dam. Report submitted by Jerry Henry, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.
SOUTHEAST
Blue River: January 27. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 35°F and clear. (USGS Lake Level) Rainbow trout fair on caddis flies, in-line spinnerbaits, midges, nymphs, PowerBait, and spoons. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: January 23. Elevation is 9 ft. below normal and falling, water temperature 45°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, bill baits, crankbaits, flukes, plastic baits, and spoons around brush structure, creek channels, main lake, points, river channel, and standing timber. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, and minnows around brush structure, main lake, points, river mouth, and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Hugo: January 23. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 48°F and murky. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth, spotted, and white bass slow on bill baits, crankbaits, hair jigs, and plastic baits around creek channels, discharge, points, and riprap. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait, live bait, and stinkbait below the dam, points, riprap, river channel, and spillway. Report submitted by Chance Phillips, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: January 25. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 46°F and clear. Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, jerk baits, and plastic baits around main lake, points, river channel, and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on Alabama rigs and crankbaits around discharge, main lake, and river channel. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver and cut bait around discharge, inlet, and riprap. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
McGee Creek: January 23. Elevation is 7 ft. below normal and falling, water temperature 48°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth and spotted bass excellent on Alabama rigs, bill baits, crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, jerk baits, and jigs around brush structure, shallows, shorelines, and standing timber. Channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, shrimp, and stinkbait around channels, dam, flats, and main lake. Report submitted by Shay Loudermilk, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Sardis: January 23. Elevation is 0.5 ft. below normal and stable, water temperature 45°F and stained. (USACE Lake Level) Largemouth bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, lipless baits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, and standing timber. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad, sunfish, and worms around brush structure, main lake, and points. 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 25. Elevation is normal and stable, water temperature 57°F and clear. (USACE Lake Level) Striped bass fair on flukes and live shad below the dam, channels, points, and river channel. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on cut bait, live shad, punch bait, and stinkbait around channels, coves, docks, points, and river mouth. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, and nymphs around brush structure, coves, docks, points, and standing timber. Comments: Fishing this week has been okay. Striper are good on live shad and flukes. Catfish are good on live bait near channels and ledges. Crappie are good near docks with brush piles. Report submitted by Garrett Beam, game warden stationed in Marshall County.
Freezing fog possible overnight
Weather forecast for Thursday calls for clear skies early before cloud
cover increases with a chance of freezing fog Thursday night for LeFlore
County, southeastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas..
The high is forecast to be 54 degrees with a low of 24 degrees.
Sunrise was 7:19 a.m. Sunset is 5:44 p.m.
Wednesday’s high was 51 with a low of 29. No precipitation was
recorded, leaving the monthly total at 2.77 inches. Average rainfall for
January is 3.10 inches.
Average temperatures for Jan. 29 are a high of 52 and low of 23. Records for the date were a high of 73 in 1970
and a low of 4 in 1977.
Calendar of events
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
Storm spotter training 6 p.m. CASC
Heavener VFW bingo 6:30 p.m.
High school basketball: Canadian at LeFlore; Panama at Gore; Spiro at Vian; Cameron at Bokoshe
Friday
Annual legislative breakfast
High school basketball: Wilburton at Heavener; Whitesboro at Howe; Graham-Dustin at Bokoshe; Kinta at Cameron; Warner at Panama; Broken Bow at Pocola; Oktaha at Spiro; Sallisaw at Poteau; Wister at Central.
Saturday
High school basketball: LCT finals
Monday
LeFlore County commissioners meet 9 a.m.
City of Poteau meetings
High school basketball: Kinta at Arkoma; Keota at Cameron; Vian at Pocola; Keota at Wister
Tuesday
Poteau Evening Lions Club meet 6 p.m. CASC
High school basketball: Talihina at Heavener; Central at Howe; LeFlore at Panama; Pocola at Stigler; Vian at Spiro; Roland at Poteau; Whitesboro at Crowder
Wednesday
Poteau Rotary Club meets noon EOMC
Today in history
### Major Historical Events
1861: Kansas Becomes a State – Kansas was admitted to the Union as the 34th state. This was a pivotal moment in American history, as Kansas entered as a "free state" following years of internal conflict known as "Bleeding Kansas."
1886: The Birth of the Modern Automobile – German inventor Karl Benz applied for a patent for his "vehicle powered by a gas engine." This is widely considered the birth date of the modern car.
1891: Liliuokalani Proclaimed Queen – She was the last sovereign monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii, taking the throne following the death of her brother, King Kalākaua.
1924: Patent for the Popsicle – Frank Epperson received a patent for his "frozen ice on a stick," which he had accidentally invented nearly 20 years earlier when he left a sugary drink out overnight in the cold.
1936: First Baseball Hall of Fame Class – The first five members were elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame: Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson, and Walter Johnson.
### Notable Births
1737: Thomas Paine – The influential philosopher and author of Common Sense, which helped spark the American Revolution.
1843: William McKinley – The 25th President of the United States, who led the nation during the Spanish-American War.
1880: W.C. Fields – The legendary American comedian, actor, and juggler known for his "curmudgeon" persona.
1945: Tom Selleck – The iconic American actor best known for Magnum, P.I. and Blue Bloods.
1954: Oprah Winfrey – The media mogul, talk show host, and philanthropist who became one of the most influential women in the world.
1960: Greg Louganis – The Olympic gold medalist diver considered one of the greatest in history.
1962: Nicholas Terry (Nick) Rhodes – Founder and keyboardist of the band Duran Duran.
1982: Adam Lambert – American singer and songwriter, currently fronting for the band Queen.
### Notable Deaths
1820: George III – The King of Great Britain during the American Revolution. He died at age 81 after a long struggle with mental illness.
1963: Robert Frost – The beloved American poet and four-time Pulitzer Prize winner known for "The Road Not Taken."
2005: Ephraim Kishon – The celebrated Israeli satirist and filmmaker.
2012: Oscar Luigi Scalfaro – The 9th President of Italy.
Regional Focus: Oklahoma Connections
1912: Oklahoma’s Early Oil Boom – By late January 1912, the Cushing-Drumright Oil Field was beginning to gain massive attention, eventually making Oklahoma the oil capital of the world during that era.
Winter Weather Milestones – January 29 has historically seen significant winter storms in Eastern Oklahoma, including the 1905 cold snap that brought temperatures in the region down toward record lows.
Ronny Rene Williams obituary
Ronny Rene Williams, 60, of Poteau passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 23, 2026 at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas and was born on Dec.15, 1965, in Tulsa.
Funeral services to honor Ron’s life are 2 p.m. Saturday at Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener with Pastor Bill Sanders officiating. Burial will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery in Glendale, under the care of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.
At the age of 18, Ron proudly enlisted in the United States Army, where he served as a truck driver and earned numerous awards for his service. He was honorably discharged in 1990. Following his military career, Ron built a successful livelihood in paintless dent repair, a trade he worked in until his retirement in 2016.
Ron had a deep passion for cars, hunting, fishing, and spending time at his cabin. He also enjoyed metal work, creating countless handmade pieces for the people he loved, each one a reflection of his creativity and generosity. Ron was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Above all else, Ron cherished and was devoted to his family and his dogs, who meant the world to him.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Williams; his son Steven Williams, wife Kristan Williams and granddaughter Emmie Rae; his daughter, Paige Williams; his brother Randy Sellno, wife Noreen Sellno and nieces Heather, and Sandra (husband Ian); his sister Vicki Clay, husband Tim Clay, nephew Eric (wife Sharon) and nieces Mary Ann, Tamie and Kassandra; many great-nieces, great-nephews and friends
Ron was preceded in death by father, Eldon Williams; father, Gary Sellno; mother, Gerry Williams; grandparents, aunts, uncles, numerous cousins, and friends; and best friends, Jeff Daniels and Dennis Orr.
Ron lived his life to the fullest with a big heart and was loved by many. His memory lives on in the hearts of all those he touched, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. He will be sorely missed.
Viewing is from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday with family visiting with friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener and 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., Saturday.
Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made through Central National Bank of Poteau to assist with funeral and burial expenses.
To sign Ron’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
Regenia Dannette (Frost) Dugan obituary
Regeneia Dannette (Frost) Dugan, 63, passed away Jan. 19, 2026. She was welcomed into heaven by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was preceded in death and then greeted by both her parents, mother and father-in-law, maternal and paternal grandparents, as well as, other family members and friends, as she entered into her eternal destination.
Memorial services are 2 p.m. Friday at Cornwell Funeral Chapel in Dardanelle.
Regeneia was born Feb. 13, 1962 in Mena, Arkansas to the late Dan Frost Jr and Charlotte Annette (Keeney) Frost. Regeneia was raised in Plainview, Arkansas. She graduated from Plainview-Rover High School in 1980. She earned a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. She was employed by The Kroger Company, working and training employees in Deli Management for approximately 25 years, before retiring.
Regeneia loved gardening, baking and decorating cakes, painting, shopping, spending time with her grandchildren and especially doing things to make every member of her family feel special. Regeneia, “Nena”, as her family called her, was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend. She had an incredible smile and genuinely kind words for everyone who graced her presence. Regeneia was truly beautiful inside and out!
Survivors include her husband, Derek Dugan; two children Andrew Mills (Anita), CJ Dugan; her siblings Donna Frost Reed, Mahota Frost, Laudra Calaf (Edwin), Daniel Frost (Lauren); three grandchildren Alexis Nicole Mills, Shawn Henry Mills, Layla Marie Mills and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.
Honorary pallbearers are Daniel Frost, Matthew Hulsey, Billy Frost, Ben Frost, Steve Frost and Edwin Calaf.
Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home and River Valley Cremations in Dardanelle. Online Guest Book and Condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com
James Jarrett Bunch III celebration of life planned
James Jarrett Bunch III, 80, passed away on Jan. 26, 2026, in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
He was born on Feb. 13, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri to James Jarrett and Norma Jean Bevel Bunch Jr.
The celebration of life services are 1 p.m. Feb. 7, 2026, at The Cedars on Dewey 520 Dewey Avenue in Poteau with his sons and grandsons officiating and family meal to follow in The Cedars Celebration Room and private burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Panama.
Survivors are his wife, Shirley, of the home; his children Jimmy Bunch of Panama, Mike Bunch and wife Brenda of Little Kansas, Rhonda Weiche of Alma, Arkansas, and Charlie Bunch and wife Angela of Spiro; 10 grandchildren; his 12 great grandchildren; his sisters Dian Neugebauer and husband Larry of Belton, Missouri and Vicki Lueck and husband Greg of Grandview, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his grandmother that raised him, Ethel Harold.
Online condolences can be made at www.holtfuneralandcremation.com.
John Wayne Upchurch death notice
John Wayne Upchurch of Eufaula passed away Jan. 24, 2026, in Eufaula at the age of 71 and was born on Sept. 11, 1954, in Poteau to Herbert and Maudie (Blair) Upchurch.
The Celebration of Life Services for John Wayne Upchurch are pending at this time.
Survivors are his sisters Loretta Price of Poteau, Mary Louise Pierce of Heavener, Barbara Kendall of Eufaula, and Niela Upchurch of Spiro.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Maudie (Blair) Upchurch; his brothers Doyle, Alfred, James, Herbert Jr, Thomas and Floyd Upchurch.
Online condolences can be made at www.holtfuneralandcremation.com