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Locals aid hurricanes’ victims
A: Main, news
October 30, 2024
Locals aid hurricanes’ victims
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR

Hundreds of people killed, thousands of homes destroyed, millions without power, 50 billion in dollar damages.

Back-to-back Hurricanes Helene and Milton in late September and early October devastated the southeastern corner of the nation.

In addition to the hurricanes, the Milton storm spawned 140 tornadoes, compounding the damage in Florida.

The path of destruction stretched over 500 miles from Florida to the Southern Appalachians – including Georgia, North and South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee Thousands of volunteers from across the country responded to an urgent call for help, including employees of Oklahoma electric companies and first responders.

“Due to the hurricanes our local electric company (OG&E) put together a team to assist in relief efforts across the east coast,” said Investigator Kevin Branscum, with the Okmulgee-Mc-Intosh County District Attorney’s office.

Branscum talked about the experience after he returned.

He said the team created by OG&E included 100 linemen and equipment as well as about 10 area lawmen.

“We responded first to South Carolina before traveling to the Tampa (Florida) area,” he said.

The lawmen were along to help control looting and other crimes.

“Unfortunately, with natural disasters comes an increase of crime and the need for assistance and personal protection,” he said. “The officers assisted in providing logistic coordination and asset security for the team and equipment 24 hours a day.”

The team traveled to ground zero for the hurricane and assisted in their efforts as OG&E and other electric companies restored power to over three million customers who had been without.

“One of our assigned areas was Sarasota, south of Tampa. This area was hit pretty hard. There were boats lodged into houses, in the middle of the road and on top of power lines. Sand from the ocean was piled several feet deep in the middle of the roadway. Marinas had extensive damage with numerous sunk boats. Roads were damaged and washed away in places and debris littered everywhere.”

Braving the festival, honoring a friend
A: Main, news
Braving the festival, honoring a friend
By LENORE BECHTEL 
September 3, 2025
Every Labor Day weekend since moving to Oklahoma, I thought about going to the Dusk to Dawn Blues Festival. But the idea of a yard party running from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. was intimidating—and I could neve...
A: Main, news
Man injured diving into shallow water
September 3, 2025
A 22-year-old Yukon man was injured when he dove from a pontoon boat into shallow water at Lake Eufaula, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Patrick Tanner reportedly stopped his vessel to swim ...
A: Main, news
Man found dead in yard; possible suspect investigated
September 3, 2025
WARNER – Warner Police responded to a call early Saturday morning about a dead man laying outside of a residence in the area of Fifth and Third streets. The deceased has been identified as 51-year-old...
A: Main, news
Wellness Day for seniors Sept. 16
September 3, 2025
Heritage Home Care’s fifth annual Senior Wellness Day will be held Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 126 N. 1st St. (now Bridges Street), which is the former location of Family Dollar. The e...
A: Main, news
Looking ahead: Firm to help guide the way
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 3, 2025
What will Eufaula look like in 50 years? Without a plan, it’s anybody’s guess. But the City Council has taken steps to remove at least some of the guesswork. At a special meeting Friday, Aug. 29, the ...
Wine and Art Festival extravaganza Saturday
A: Main, news
Wine and Art Festival extravaganza Saturday
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 3, 2025
What: Vision Eufaula Wine & Art Festival When: Saturday Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: 150 N. Front St. Information: 405-248-2992 or visit visioneufaula.org The fourth annual Wine and Art Festival ...
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5 in race for state school superintendent
news
5 in race for state school superintendent
By Jennifer Palmer Oklahoma Watch 
September 3, 2025
So far, five candidates are running to lead Oklahoma’s public education system as state superintendent in 2026. Former Tulsa school board members Jennettie Marshall, a Democrat, and Jerry Griffin, an ...
DOC Director stepping down
news
DOC Director stepping down
By KEATON ROSS OKLAHOMA WATCH 
September 3, 2025
Oklahoma Department of Corrections Director Steven Harpe, one of the highest paid officials in state government, will step down on Sept. 30 to take a private sector job. “I’m extremely proud of my tim...
news
Class of ’65 reunion set for Sept. 12
September 3, 2025
Graduates of the Eufaula High School Class of 1965 will get together from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept 12, at the Legacy on Main Street, 224 N. Main St. Graduates of the classes of ’64 and ’66 are...
A site out of this world
news
A site out of this world
By MIKE BARNES 
September 3, 2025
In Eufaula, a town where gossip can outpace the mail, a story is slowly gaining momentum. It isn’t about the latest fishing tournament or Friday night football, but about a cosmic visitor called 3I/ A...
Rest, reflections, and farewells
commentary
Rest, reflections, and farewells
By JOE DORMAN OICA CEO 
September 3, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – I hope your Labor Day weekend was full of relaxation. I schedule a vacation each year with friends to get away over this holiday which allows me to “charge up the batteries” for upcomi...
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