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Winter storm watch is in effect from Friday afternoon through late Saturday night.

Heavy winter precipitation is possible beginning Friday. Total snow accumulations of four or more inches are likely across portions  of eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas. A glaze of ice up to two tenths of an inch will be possible near the Red River along
with accumulating sleet and snow.

Winds could also gust near 35 mph during the day Friday. In addition to the precipitation,
dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills are expected from Friday evening through Sunday morning.

Portions of northwest and west central Arkansas and east
central, northeast, and southeast Oklahoma.

Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute and travel through the weekend.

Everybody is advised to monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

LeFlore County commissioners issue burn ban 

LeFlore County commissioners met in a regular business with Chairman Jamie Oliver presiding. Also, present were Vice- Chair Mike Parker, Member Josh Blaylock and County Clerk Kelli Ford. 

The following action was taken by the board: 

(1.)              Chairman Jamie Oliver called meeting to order.

(2.)            Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to approve the minutes of regular meeting held January 12, 2026.  Motion carried, all voting yes. 

(3.)            Motion was made by Mike Parker and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve purchase orders and payroll as presented. Motion carried, all voting yes. 

(4.)            Monthly Fee Reports: None presented. 

(5.)            Transfer of Appropriations: None presented. 

(6.)            Blanket Purchase Orders: None presented. 

(7.)            New Business: None discussed. 

(8.)            Contract Labor/ Service Agreements, Annual Contracts: None presented. 

(9.)            Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to enact a Burn Ban for LeFlore County effective January 20, 2026. Motion carried, all voting yes. 

(10.)         Motion was made by Mike Parker and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve resolution acknowledging that Acie Conrad (District 1), Penny Williams (District 2), and Cash Carter (District 3) filed as the sole candidates for their respective districts and will remain members of the LeFlore County Free Fair Association Board of Directors for the 2026 year. Motion carried, all voting yes. 

(11.)         Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to approve renewal contract between the Department of Corrections, Community Sentencing and LeFlore County Commissioners. Motion carried, all voting yes. 

(12.)         Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve 2026 KEDDO REAP contracts, signatory certificate and non – collusion affidavits between LeFlore County and KEDDO. Motion carried, all voting yes.

 (13.)         Motion was made by Mike Parker and seconded by Jamie Oliver to approve flood plain development permit application numbers 1202026008 and 1202026009 as submitted by CoxCom, LLC regarding construction within county right of way located at Arnall Road and Marks Drive in Poteau, Section 3, Township 7 North, Range 25 East, LeFlore County. Motion carried, all voting yes. 

(14.)         Motion was made by Mike Parker and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve flood plain development permit application numbers 1202026010, 1202026011 and 1202026012 as submitted by CoxCom, LLC regarding construction within county right of way located at Liberty Hill Road and Gaither Lane in Cameron, Section 21, Township 8 North, Range 27 East, LeFlore County. Motion carried, all voting yes. 

(15.)         Motion was made by Mike Parker and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve flood plain development permit application number 1202026013 as submitted by CoxCom, LLC regarding construction within county right of way located at State Highway 112 and 290^th Avenue in Cameron, Section 1, Township 7 North, Range 25 East, LeFlore County. Motion carried, all voting yes. 

(16.)     Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Mike Parker to approve resolution to approve Interlocal Cooperative Agreement #2026-01, appointing Josh Blaylock to serve on the Circuit of Engineering (CED) #3 Board of Directors with Jamie Oliver as 1^st alternate and Mike Parker as 2^nd alternate. Motion carried, all voting yes. 

Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to adjourn. Motion was approved all voting yes, Oliver-yes, Parker-yes, Blaylock-yes.

Story by BROOKE COX

News 6

Tulsa families are facing a wave of illnesses this cold and flu season, with children particularly affected. Pediatrician Dr. Scott Cyrus says respiratory viruses are driving the surge, impacting schools and emergency departments across the state.

Respiratory Viruses on the Rise

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is causing widespread cases among children ages 0 to 4, but adults are also at risk.

Influenza, particularly the H3N2 strain, often referred to as the “super flu,” is similarly impacting children under 17.

Pertussis, a vaccine-preventable disease also known as whooping cough, is also on the rise. “It’s unfortunate that we are…seeing an increase in pertussis,” Cyrus said, noting that cases in Oklahoma rose sharply from 20 in 2023 to 469 in 2024.

Non-Respiratory Illnesses

Other common illnesses are circulating as well. Gastroenteritis, often called the stomach bug, can affect entire households in just a few days. Strep throat, croup, hand, foot and mouth disease, and viral pink eye are also widespread.

Cyrus said the combination of cold weather and more time spent indoors is contributing to the spread.

Prevention Is Key

Cyrus emphasized basic hygiene and vaccination as the best tools to prevent illness. He advised washing hands for at least 20 seconds, disinfecting surfaces, getting adequate sleep, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and managing stress.

“Flu shot is really the preventive way to help make as much headway on preventing the flu as anything else,” he said, also highlighting pertussis immunizations.

Staying home when sick and avoiding contact with those who are ill is also crucial.

Families are urged to remain vigilant as the season continues, particularly for young children and infants who are most vulnerable to severe illness.

LeFlore County Tournament semifinals are set after the quarterfinals games were played Tuesday.

As expected, the top seeds in both the boys’ bracket and girls’ bracket advanced to the semifinals with those games moving to Spiro, aside from the Poteau’s boys scoring a minor upset over Spiro.

Boys’ updated bracket PDF

Girls’ updated bracket PDF

The girls’ semifinals are slated for Thursday. At 6 p.m., Spiro plays Panama with top-seeded Howe taking on Talihina at 7:30 p.m.

The boys’ semifinals are Friday (weather permitting) with Howe playing Talihina at 6 p.m. and Pocola scheduled to play Poteau at 7:30.

Championship games are Saturday at 7 and 8:30, again, weather permitting.

In Wednesday’s consolation games at Panama, for the boys Panama plays Spiro at 4:30 p.m. with Heavener and Whitesboro playing at 7:30.

For the girls, Heavener plays Whitesboro at 3 p.m. with Poteau taking on Whitesboro at 6 p.m. Winners of those two games play for fifth place 3 p.m. Friday at Spiro.

In the battle for the consolation championship at Bokoshe, the Pocola girls play Arkoma at 3 p.m. with Cameron taking on LeFlore at 6 p.m. Those winners play for the consolation championship 3 p.m. Thursday at Spiro.

In the boys’ consolation games at Bokoshe Wednesday, Wister and LeFlore boys play at 4:30 p.m. before Arkoma takes on Cameron at 7:30 p.m.  Winners play for the consolation championship Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at Spiro.

In Tuesday’s scores for the boys, Poteau beat Spiro, 59-43, Pocola beat Panama, 62-44, Howe edged Heavener, 51-41, and Talihina downed Whitesboro, 70-53.

For the girls, Spiro beat Poteau, 48-40, Panama outscored Whitesboro, 60-29, Talihina rallied late to defeat Heavener, 46-41, and Howe advanced with a 78-46 victory over Wister.

In consolation games Tuesday, LeFlore downed Bokoshe’s boys 49-37, and Arkoma’s girls beat Bokoshe, 51-15.

Sallisaw defeated Poteau in the District 4A-8 wrestling dual meet Tuesday at Sallisaw, giving the Black Diamonds another trip to the state meet.

Duals Scores

Poteau 61, Hilldale 12

Poteau 69, Stilwell 4

Poteau 54, Broken Bow 12

Sallisaw 56, Poteau 20

Sallisaw 72, Hilldale 12

Sallisaw 81, Stilwell 0

Sallisaw 7, Broken Bow 6

Hilldale 48, Stilwell 28

Hilldale 60, Broken Bow 12

Stilwell 36, Broken Bow 12

Standings

Sallisaw      4-0

Poteau        3-1

Hilldale        2-3

Stilwell         1-4

Broken Bow  0-5

FORT WORTH, Texas — In a high-stakes Big 12 showdown, David Punch delivered a career-defining performance to lead the TCU Horned Frogs to a 68-65 comeback win over the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Punch’s go-ahead layup with 6.3 seconds remaining capped off a dominant night and effectively ended TCU’s four-game losing streak.

The TCU victory was fueled by two massive double-double performances in the paint:

Liutauras Lelevicius also played the hero role, scoring 10 points and grabbing six boards. His clutch 3-pointer with 1:10 remaining tied the game, setting the stage for Punch’s final heroics.

The matchup at Schollmaier Arena was a game of dramatic runs. TCU opened the contest with a blistering 9-0 start, but Oklahoma State quickly responded. Behind back-to-back 3-pointers from Anthony Roy, the Cowboys orchestrated a 15-4 run to take a 41-37 lead into halftime.

Oklahoma State extended their momentum early in the second half. A 3-pointer from Vyctorius Miller sparked a 10-3 run, giving the Cowboys a comfortable nine-point cushion.

With just over four minutes remaining and facing a seven-point deficit, the Horned Frogs (12-7, 2-4 Big 12) locked in defensively. TCU held the Cowboys scoreless during a late 10-0 run. The surge culminated in David Punch driving the lane for a contested layup to secure the lead in the final seconds.

Despite the loss, Isaiah Coleman led the Cowboys (14-5, 2-4) with 14 points and six rebounds. Anthony Roy contributed 13 points and three steals, while Kanye Clary added 11 points and six assists.

The defeat marks a troubling trend for Oklahoma State, as they have now lost eight consecutive games at Schollmaier Arena.

Arkansas Sinks #15 Commodores 


Final Stats    

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas – #20 Arkansas was dominant from the start as six Razorbacks scored in double figures in a 93-68 victory over #15/14 Vanderbilt Tuesday night at Bud Walton Arena. 

Arkansas dished out 25 assists, with just seven turnovers, and out-rebounded the Commodores, 39-27. Trevon Brazile played a key role in those numbers as he recorded his fourth double-double of the season (14th for his career) with 10 points and a season-high 14 rebounds while adding five assists, four steals and two blocked shots. 

Freshmen Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas each had five assists while Acuff added 17 points and Thomas 13. Malique Ewin and Karter Knox each scored 16 points.

 But perhaps the best under-the-radar performance came from D.J. Wagner, who came off the bench for the first time as a Razorback in a move head coach John Calipari said was meant to “get D.J. going.” Wahner responded with 11 points and three assists with zero turnovers. 

Vanderbilt, which entered the game 10th in the NCAA in scoring at 911.4 ppg, was held to 68 points. Also, VU was 24th in the NCAA in field goal percentage at 49.6%, but was held to 37.9%. Tyler Nickel was the only Commodore to score in double figures with 17 points. However, all 17 were in the first half, and he was 0-of-3 from the field in the second half. 

Arkansas returns to action on Saturday at Bud Walton Arena to host the LSU Tigers. Tipoff is set for 7:30 pm and the game will be televised on SEC Network.

Weather forecast for Wednesday calls for some rain early with skies clearing away later in the day for LeFlore County, southeastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas..

The high is forecast to be 56 degrees with a low of 29 degrees.

Sunrise was 7:23 a.m. Sunset is 5:36 p.m.

See our live weather radar

Tuesday’s high was 53 with a low of 40. A total of .07 inches of rain was recorded, increasing the monthly total to .65 inches. Average rainfall for January is 3.10 inches.

Average temperatures for Jan. 21 are a high of 76 in 1986 and low of 22. Records for the date were a high of 74 in 1972 and a low of -2  in 1984.

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

Memorial service for Douglas P. Walker 

Poteau Kiwanis Club meets noon EOMC

High school basketball: LCT

Heavener VFW bingo 6:30 p.m.

Friday

High school basketball: LCT

Saturday

High school basketball: LCT championship

Monday

LeFlore County commissioners meet 9 a.m.

High school basketball: Arkoma at Keota; Wister at McCurtain

Tuesday

Poteau Evening Lions Club meet 6 p.m. CASC

High school basketball: Heavener at Pocola; Wister at Cameron; LeFlore at Whitesboro; Panama at Red Oak; Poteau at Stilwell; Hartshorne at Talihina

Wednesday

Poteau Rotary Club meets noon EOMC

In one of the most pivotal moments of the French Revolution, King Louis XVI was executed by guillotine at the Place de la Révolution in Paris. Convicted of high treason by the National Convention, his death signaled the definitive end of the French absolute monarchy and sent shockwaves through the royal houses of Europe.

The dawn of the nuclear age at sea began today in Groton, Connecticut. The USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, was launched into the Thames River. This technological marvel could remain submerged for months, fundamentally changing naval warfare and global strategy.

The era of supersonic travel took flight as the Concorde began its first scheduled commercial passenger services. Two jets took off simultaneously: a British Airways flight from London to Bahrain and an Air France flight from Paris to Rio de Janeiro.

January 21 is the birth date of several giants in the worlds of fashion, sports, and Hollywood:

We also remember the influential figures who passed away on this day:

On January 21, 1908, New York City passed the Sullivan Ordinance, which made it illegal for women to smoke in public. It didn’t last long—the mayor vetoed it just two weeks later after a massive public outcry.

Douglas P. Walker of the Glendale community was born Sept. 9, 1963 in Honolulu, Hawaii to Donald Douglas and Edna Maxine Walker and passed away Jan. 18, 2026 in Oklahoma City at the age of 62. 

Memorial service to honor Douglas’ life is 10 a.m., Thursday at the Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener with Brother Hank Miller officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener. 

Douglas was a long-time resident of the area and worked in the coal mines for Dill Trucking for most of his career. He also worked as a surveyor.  Douglas was a member of the Heart O’ the Hills Baptist Church. His favorite job was being a Papa to all seven grandkids. 

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing golf with George and Teresa, sitting on the porch watching people drive by, and making sure his girls were on time for work. Douglas loved working in his garden and talking to his ole buddy, Flash on the phone. 

He was a loving husband, father, brother, Papa, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His favorite saying was “whatever you say babe”. 

Survivors are his wife of 41 years, Teresa Walker, of the home; two daughters Cassandra “Sandy” Lee and husband James of Heavener, and Maranda “Tutor” Elder and husband Russell of Howe,; one son, Donald Walker, of Heavener; seven grandchildren Kenlee Lee, Robert Lee, Lacey Miller, Kayden Walker, Holly Elder, Kash Walker, and Avery Elder; two brothers George Walker of Howe, and Richard Walker of Troy, Ohio; one sister, Donna Giblin, of Troy, Ohio; his pets Boomer and Tom Tom; Old Buddy “Flash”: Kerry Mills; numerous other loved ones and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edna Maxine and Donald Douglas Walker; and special pet, Buster. 

To sign Douglas’ online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.