logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinions
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Public Notices
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinions
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Public Notices
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
Final Column
commentary
November 20, 2024
Final Column
By State Rep. Randy Randleman (405) 557-7375 randy.randleman@okhouse.gov

This will be my last correspondence with you, but it has been such a privilege to serve you.

Now, I am again taking up much of the work my wife Jennifer has been doing and will be assisting school-based services and a local family resource center. This change also will allow me to enjoy time with my wife, children and grandchildren, which I’m looking forward to. We prayed about this decision for quite some time. I truly believe that God comes first, our family second, and then our businesses and public service.

In my time at the House, we’ve accomplished many things. While at the State Capitol, one of my biggest accomplishments has been establishing an adolescent crisis center in McAlester to serve the southeast corner of the state.

I was working on an adolescent psychiatric hospital for our area. It would have provided 20-26 beds for adolescents who are having mental or psychological problems. This was one of my main goals when I was elected. I worked with Chad Gregg, one of the administrators of the hospital for three years, to accomplish this task. Thank you Chad for all your work.

In addition, I secured $4.8 million for a new adolescent psychiatric hospital in McIntosh County, but the bill was killed on the last day of session because of a petty disagreement between senators. My successor has indicated he intends to file this bill again in hopes of securing this hospital. All of Southeast Oklahoma will benefit.

I have written and passed the following bills for the state of Oklahoma: In 2019, I authored HB2195, which dealt with licensing requirements for the Psychologists Licensing Act. I also assisted with the passage of HB1074, HB1075, HB2282, HB2339, HB2632, HB2640, SB361 and SB456.

In 2020, while working through the pandemic, I helped pass HB2905, HB3400 and HB3967.

The next year, I authored HB2223, which directed the State Dept. of Education to maintain the dyslexia handbook. I also worked on HB1246, HB1568, HB1709, HB2396, HB2770, SB21, SB229, SB317, SB619 and SB631.

In 2022, I authored HB3261, which designated the American Quarter Horse as the state horse of Oklahoma, and SB626, which dealt with school mental health student records. I also worked on HB3073, HB3658, SB1337 and SB1396.

Last year, I carried HB1041, which tasked the school athletic association with establish- ing a new category of competition. This was signed into law. I also assisted with the passage of HB1504, HB4455, SB 100 and SB513.

I want to thank everyone who has been supportive of me throughout the past six years. There are special people in all five counties of House District 15, and it has been a pleasure working for you.

Additionally, I would like to thank a few friends: Glenda and Bill Allen, Billy Don Cloud and his wife, Jose Mc-Coy, Pastor Tim Turner, Mr. and Mrs. Ormes, and Ronnie Luke, who passed during my time in office. There are many, many others who played an important role in my time at the State House, and I deeply appreciate their work—thank you.

I will gladly continue to provide any assistance or advice to Tim Turner, who may need it as he steps into this role. I also will continue to assist many of the legislative friends I have made in my time at the State Capitol, and will always be a ready resource for them when they ask.

Again, I am very thankful for the opportunity to serve as your state representative. I hope that you will keep praying for our family as we will keep praying for yours.

Rep. Randy Randleman, a Republican, represents House District 15 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Haskell County and portions of McIntosh, Muskogee, Le Flore and Pittsburg counties.

Memorial Highway dedicated to two outstanding officers
A: Main, news
Memorial Highway dedicated to two outstanding officers
By LaDonna Rhodes Staff Writer 
December 3, 2025
Former Chief of Police Andy Blizzard and Assoc. Chief of Police Justin Durrett were honored by Oklahoma State legislators and the City of Checotah last month during a Memorial Highway Dedication on No...
Greg Contreras honored with Pat Potts Visionary Award
A: Main, news
Greg Contreras honored with Pat Potts Visionary Award
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
December 3, 2025
The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) has recognized one of McIntosh and Pittsburg County’s most steadfast champions for vulnerable youth. Greg Contreras, a 42-year veteran of the Youth Emergency...
A: Main, news
Christmas play Dec. 4
December 3, 2025
The Eufaula High School Speech & Drama Club is proud to present 10 Ways to Survive the Holidays, a festive comedy written by acclaimed playwright Don Zolidis. This production is staged by special arra...
Lake Eufaula Association announces first-ever Christmas Tour of Homes
A: Main, news
Lake Eufaula Association announces first-ever Christmas Tour of Homes
December 3, 2025
The Lake Eufaula Association is thrilled to announce our 1st Annual Christmas Tour of Homes, happening Thursday, December 11th from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM. This brand-new holiday event celebrates the beau...
Lights, Camera, Christmas! Eufaula parade to celebrate holiday movie magic
A: Main, news
Lights, Camera, Christmas! Eufaula parade to celebrate holiday movie magic
December 3, 2025
Eufaula’s annual Christmas Parade is rolling down Main Street on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m., and this year’s theme promises a blockbuster of holiday cheer: “A Very Merry Movie-thon!” From festive floa...
Former, current legislators file initiative to eliminate property taxes
news
Former, current legislators file initiative to eliminate property taxes
By KEATON ROSS OKLAHOMA WATCH 
December 3, 2025
One former and two current state lawmakers are leading an effort to gradually reduce residential property taxes to zero by the end of the decade. State Question 841, filed with the Oklahoma Secretary ...
ePaper
google_play
app_store
Editor Picks
news
ODOT’s $54M investment funding highway projects
By LYNN ADAMS SPECIAL TO EUFAULA INDIAN JOURNAL 
December 3, 2025
Driving on McIntosh County highways should be smoother by 2035, according to plans by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to resurface about 39 miles of I-40, U.S. 69 and other highways. ODOT ex...
news
Commission launches program restoring natural ecology in wetlands
December 3, 2025
Oklahoma City — The Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC) has launched the Restoring Natural Ecology in Wetlands (ReNEW) Program, a new initiative offering technical and financial support for a varie...
news
Haltom’s Huddle Holiday Food Drive
December 3, 2025
Sports Editor Rodney Haltom continues his personal mission to help feed those in need during the upcoming holiday season in McIntosh County. He has launched a food drive, seeking canned or dry food th...
news
’68 Checotah graduate creates scholarships
December 3, 2025
Patricia Freeman, a 1968 graduate of Checotah High School and longtime advocate for education, has announced a generous pledge to support firstgeneration students at the University of Oklahoma. Patric...
The city asks you to join the conversation
news
The city asks you to join the conversation
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
December 3, 2025
The City of Eufaula’s advisory committee is in the process of creating a comprehensive plan along with the help of Freese and Nichols, a privately owned engineering, planning and consulting firm. This...
Facebook

THE EUFAULA INDIAN JOURNAL
100 N. 2nd Street
Eufaula, OK 74432

(918) 689-2191

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 THE EUFAULA INDIAN JOURNAL

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy