Latest articles - Sulphur Times Democrat

Tornado-Ravaged Sulphur Firm Reopens After Completion Of Repairs

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:06 -0500

Debra Kaye Lindell

Wed, 27 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Aug 25, 1955 - May 21, 2026 Debra Kaye Lindell, 70, of Sulphur, passed away on May 21, 2026, in Sulphur. She was born on August 25, 1955, in Sulphur, to Delbert and Evelyn (Johnson) Gilbert.

Debbie was the ultimate social butterfly. Her salon in town, the Head Hunter, was quite the hub of visitors and clientele. She had several clients who had their hair done by Debbie for years, some even spanning decades. Sitting in her chair at the salon was not only a function of getting your hair done, but also served as a therapeutic outlet for many in town. Debbie was also a safe haven for many others over the years who were in need of help. She had a generous and giving heart, coupled with a fiery spirit at times.

In her free time, Debbie loved coed softball, camping at the lake, jet skiing, and water skiing. She also loved watching her grandchildren’s and great-grandchild’s sporting events. She was a longtime member of Vinita Avenue Church of Christ.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 20 years, Greg Lindell; her son, Austin Kirkpatrick of Edmond; grandchildren, Alex Kirkpatrick of Davis, Sam Kirkpatrick of Edmond, and Sylvie Kirkpatrick of Edmond; and great-grandson, Cole Kirkpatrick of Davis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Delbert and Evelyn Gilbert of Nebo; and her brothers, Freddy and Mickey Gilbert.

Services were held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at Vinita Avenue Church of Christ. Interment followed at Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of DeArman Funeral Home of Sulphur.

Cleo Caudle

Wed, 27 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Cleo Caudle, longtime resident of Sulphur, was born on August 30, 1943, in Ventura, California to Cleo Mae (Welch) Boan and Loran Boan. She passed away peacefully in Oklahoma City on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the age of 82.

Cleo spent her childhood growing up in Wyoming and California. At the age of 22, she met Frank — lovingly known as her “favorite pain in the butt” — and just three days later, the two decided to get married, beginning a lifelong adventure together. Six years later, Frank and Cleo, along with Terry and Tanya, made their home in Oklahoma.

Cleo was no stranger to hard work. In the early years of their marriage, she worked side by side with Frank hauling hay during the summers. She later worked as a secretary for Sulphur Public Schools for 30 years, where she touched many lives with her kindness and dedication. After retirement, she continued serving others as a real estate agent.

More than anything, Cleo cherished her family. One of Cleo’s greatest joys was being involved in every aspect of her grandchildren’s lives. Whether it was traveling out of state for football games, celebrating weddings in Mexico, attending birthday parties, going on family trips, babysitting, or simply showing up for whatever was thrown her way, she was always there. Her joy was contagious, her stories unforgettable, and her spirit was always the life of the party. Above all, Cleo treasured her relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and she prayed that her family and friends would develop the same relationship.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Caudle; infant son, Gerald; stepchildren, Michael Caudle and Linda Shelton; grandchildren, Nissa Daniels, Michael Batterton and Shawn Shelton; mother, Cleo Mae Boan; father, Loren Boan; and brother, Earl Boan. She is survived by her children, Tanya and Tony Daniels, and Terry Caudle; stepdaughter, Frankie Martire and husband Richard; grandchildren, LaTisha and Shane Bynum, LaKrista and Mitchell Valentine, Johnny and Krista Samples, Brayden Daniels, Shannon and Randall Webster, Nick and Krystal Robinson, Richard Martire, Chris Shelton, and Erica Caudle; great-grandchildren, Lexi and Beau Joplin, Maddux Boyd, Lucca and Riggs O’dell, Houston and Ryder Bynum, Jaxtyn and Knoxleigh Samples, Braylee Daniels, Karen, Linsey, and Ryan Batterton, Tinsley and Teaghan Webster, Mason and Aiden Robinson, and Gillian and Gabe Shelton; brother, Alvin Boan and wife Ruthie; sister, Verda Lee Massey; and two bonus daughters, Liz Dilbeck and Dawnnea Jones.

Services were held at Crossway Church in Sulphur at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026 officiated by Bill Leveridge and Alvin Boan, Jr. Interment followed at Oaklawn Cemetery in Sulphur under the direction of DeArman Funeral Home of Sulphur.

Ronnie Grimm

Wed, 27 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Ronnie Rex Grimm, a resident of Sulphur, was born on July 4,

1940 in Ponca City, to Bonnie (Smith) and Alfred Grimm. He passed away in Davis, on May 24, 2026 at the age of 85. Ronnie had worked as a dairy farmer, but loved Semis and longed to be a truck driver.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 4:00 to

7:00 p.m. at DeArman Funeral Home in Sulphur. A private family service will be held on Friday. Services are under the direction of DeArman Funeral Home of Sulphur. A Complete obituary will follow when available.

Deadline To Request Absentee Ballot For June 16 Election Approaches

Wed, 27 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Voters in Murray County who want absentee ballots mailed to them for the June 16 Primary Election should apply now, County Election Board Secretary Rhonda Summers said today.

Absentee ballots are available to all registered voters, provided they are eligible to vote in the election requested. No excuse is needed to vote by absentee ballot.

The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot is 5 p.m. Monday, June 1. Voters can submit a request using the OK Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp. Request forms are also available at oklahoma.gov/elections and at the County Election Board office located at 703 W 11th, Sulphur.

Summers reminds voters to allow time for an absentee ballot to be received, completed, and returned by mail to the County Election Board. “With some exceptions, all absentee ballot affidavits must be notarized before being returned. Voters should give themselves plenty of time to make sure all steps have been followed and that the ballot is returned correctly in order to be counted,” Summers said.

Voters exempt from having an absentee ballot affidavit notarized include those who are physically incapacitated and those who care for physically incapacitated individuals that cannot be left alone. Voters who request a “physically incapacitated” ballot must have their absentee ballot affidavit witnessed by two people.

Military personnel and residents living overseas, along with their spouses and dependents are also eligible for certain allowances. Military personnel should contact the Voting Services Officer in their unit for an Absentee Ballot Application. Residents living overseas may obtain Absentee Ballot Applications from any United States military installation or United States Embassy or Consulate. Military personnel and overseas citizens who are already registered voters in Oklahoma may apply for absentee ballots using the OK Voter Portal at oklahoma. gov/elections/ovp. Those who need to complete a new Voter Registration Application should apply through the Federal Voting Assistance Program at FVAP.gov.

All completed absentee ballots must be in the hands of the County Election Board no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day.

The Murray County Election Board is located at 703 W 11th, Sulphur and is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. For questions, please contact the Election Board at 580-622-3800.

Chickasaw Nation Tribal Election Filing Period Nears

Wed, 27 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

The Chickasaw Nation Election Commission announced the opening of the filing period beginning June 1 and continuing through June 3, for the 2026 General Elections.

Candidates must contact the election secretary’s office, at (580) 310-6475 to schedule an appointment or to obtain additional information. The election secretary’s office is located in the government services building, 2015 Lonnie Abbott Industrial Boulevard, Ada, Oklahoma.

Candidates may file between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Seats up for election include four legislative seats and one seat on the Supreme Court. Legislative seats to be filled are Seats 3 and 4 of Pontotoc District, Seat 2 of Pickens District, and Seat 3 of Tishomingo District. Seat 3 of the Chickasaw Nation Supreme Court is also up for election this year.

Legislative candidates must be registered Chickasaw voters at least 25 years of age, residents of the Chickasaw Nation for at least one year and of their respective district for at least six months immediately preceding the election. Legislators must remain residents of their elected district during the tenure of their office. Term of office is three years. Filing fees are $1,000.

A Supreme Court candidate must be a registered voter of the Chickasaw Nation at least 30 years of age. Justices must be residents of the Chickasaw Nation during their three-year term of office. Filing fees are $1,000.

Candidates must bring verification of physical and mailing address, such as a utility bill, homestead exemption, automobile registration, driver’s license or passport which displays candidate’s physical address, and filing fee. Upon filing, candidates must complete a financial disclosure statement. Statements are also due at the end of every month during the candidate’s active campaign period. Candidates will receive an electoral packet containing election rules and regulations, the Chickasaw Constitution, financial disclosure forms, biography form for the Chickasaw Times, and a watcher form.

Candidates must not have been convicted of a felony. Background checks are conducted on all candidates. Primary election is July 28, 2026, and run-off election is August 25, 2026 if applicable.

For further assistance, please contact Jerri Martin, Election Secretary, toll free, at 1-888661-0137.

Oklahoma “Joan of Arc” Waged Prescient State Farm Battle

Wed, 27 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

As anxious policyholders await a pivotal Oklahoma Supreme Court decision in a badfaith case involving the now-infamous State Farm documents, additional revealing documents, compiled decades ago by a State Farm whistleblower with Oklahoma roots, have surfaced at the Oklahoma City office of attorney Charles Weddle.

Weddle, of White & Weddle, first heard of State Farm whistleblower Ina DeLong after she was featured on a 1993 segment of “60 Minutes.” A decade later, Weddle employed DeLong as an expert witness, and a couple years after that, on the occasion of a visit to her sister in Yukon, DeLong showed up at Weddle’s office with a sheaf of documents that Weddle placed into a binder boldly labeled “State Farm.”

Weddle knew that after working for State Farm as a claims adjuster for 22 years, DeLong had flipped to become a fervent defender of insureds and had helped to found an influential, California-based consumer advocacy firm, United Policyholders.

Weddle recalled that DeLong was convinced that State Farm was never going to stop cheating their insureds.

“It just so happened that she handed me those documents,” Weddle said. “She said, ‘Charles, look, I acquired these documents, and someone like you might find them useful someday.’ ” After she became renowned as a whistleblower, DeLong told Weddle, she would find State Farm documents left for her in paper bags and envelopes, their contents presumably judged damning by those who took pains to hide their origin.

One document from 1985, a letter from a Los Angeles claim superintendent to State Farm’s director of claims, spoke of a reluctance to put too much in writing.

“It is our concern that these items could possibly come back to ‘haunt’ us in future litigation on how we handle claims,” the superintendent wrote.

Weddle preserved the documents because of the quality of their source, he said. He recalled the binder when news broke of State Farm’s alleged Oklahoma scheme of denying hail and wind claims. He fished the binder out of a box to see if they showed the same corporate mentality.

“Twenty years later, [DeLong] was right,” Weddle said. “We’re seeing the same corporate scheme to not pay off their insureds.”

Of DeLong’s Oklahoma roots, Weddle knew only rumors, and of her eventual fate, he knew less.

After years in the public eye, DeLong had disappeared.

The Profit Center

Weddle gave the 156-page binder of documents to Oklahoma Watch.

Representing approximately 30 years of corporate activity from 1970 to 2000, the binder sometimes includes full articles, such as a 21-page chapter of a 1981 claim superintendent manual entitled “Suits Against the Company.” Other documents are single pages excised from larger documents: performance reviews, correspondence and policy manuals.

One of the earliest documents, from 1970, is an operation guide from corporate headquarters advising claim superintendents to compose self-aggrandizing letters to bolster their position on claims.

“The Claim Superintendent should not overlook the opportunity to strengthen his file by preparing self-serving correspondence,” the guide reads.

The guide further suggested that an internal body known as the Excess Claim Committee could propose text for such letters.

A full examination of the documents by Oklahoma Watch suggested that an early effort to crack down on auto claim fraud with “special investigators” and “Senior Referral Units” may have evolved or suffered mission creep over time into more brazenly money-driven goals. Internal organizations known as the “General Claims Committee” and “Unit 414” smacked faintly of star chambers, while an “automation committee” appeared designed to take the human element out of claims handling.

Throughout, the documents employ Orwellian, euphemistic language: “indemnity containment,” “safe” litigation strategies, “aggressive expense control,” “realistic claims handling,” “truer values,” “proper evaluations,” “imaginative investigations” and “tough negotiations.”

A page of an article from an internal publication says that in the early 1970s State Farm was the country’s largest user of computer technology, second only to the U.S. government. Systems designed to streamline claims handling came and went: RAMAC in the 1960s, Delta in the 1980s, MeData and EZEst in the 1990s, the latter specific to the auto claims business of which State Farm has been the country’s leader since 1942.

By the late 80s, a “Profit Center” was established to create “added emphasis” on expense control, and in 1992 the company’s fifth president, Edward B. Rust Jr., issued a fiat.

“Our efforts in controlling expense must show better results,” Rust said, in one of the binder’s documents.

According to yet another document, this came at a time when State Farm profits were on the rise: from 1988-90, State Farm’s net annual income averaged $500 million; from 1991-93, the company’s income soared threefold to $1.6 billion per year.

“Maybe We Have to Send Them to Jail” One of the binder’s documents, a 1991 memo from a law firm to a regional audit consultant, offered advice on how to respond to Ina DeLong’s dramatic departure from State Farm. The memo prematurely belittled what would prove to be only the beginning of DeLong’s fierce campaign against her former employer.

“Many insureds…see Ina as a modern day Joan of Arc,” the memo said. “To re-ignite the embers of Ina’s dying crusade at this time…would be to court a new wave of litigation.”

Oklahoma Watch pieced together a timeline of DeLong’s life.

DeLong was born Ina Prince in 1943, near Geary, an hour west of Oklahoma City. She was one of seven children, four daughters and three sons.

The family moved to Sebastopol, California, in 1958. DeLong’s mother died three years later, her father 13 years after that, in a tractor accident. The remains of both parents would be returned to Oklahoma and interred in Elk City.

Ina Prince married Charles DeLong in 1962, and several years later she began working as a State Farm Claims adjuster. In 1978, Charles DeLong drove to the parking lot of a Santa Rosa, California, police station and shot himself to death.

In 1989, Ina DeLong was promoted and spent 131 days on a “Special Disaster Program” in California following the Loma Prieta Earthquake, at the time one of the most expensive natural disasters in history. For that work, State Farm rewarded DeLong with a letter of commendation.

That’s when she started to go rogue.

DeLong compiled 2,700 cases in which she believed insureds had been cheated. Of these, she chose 10 to reinspect at her own expense and found that she was right: the homes had significantly more damage than policyholders had been compensated for.

Again operating on her own initiative, DeLong produced a video to better train claims adjusters; State Farm confiscated it.

Several years later, after she quit and appeared on “60 Minutes,” DeLong said that better- trained adjusters would result in higher claims payouts.

“They don’t want adjusters to be better trained,” DeLong told interviewer Ed Bradley.

By then, DeLong was speaking to conference rooms of policyholders to offer advice on how to get insurance companies to pay up and serving as an expert witness in bad-faith claim cases. In 1999, she was a leader in a group of 39 present and former agents who banded together to resist abuses against agents and policyholders.

The following year, DeLong played a role in a pivotal case that reached the United States Supreme Court, Campbell v. State Farm. The Supreme Court overturned a $145 million jury award against State Farm on the argument that excessive punitive damages violated the 14th Amendment.

Conservative firebrand Justice Antonin Scalia dissented. In the oral arguments, Scalia offered a chilling assessment of the effectiveness of punitive damages against large corporations.

“No amount of money will suffice,” Scalia said. “Maybe we have to send them to jail.”

A short time later, DeLong disappeared from public view. Today, State Farm is facing massive fines and possible expulsion from the California insurance market.

State Farm did not respond to a request to interview any current employee with knowledge of Ina DeLong.

“Somebody Needs to Get Emotional” DeLong’s binder of documents contained numerous examples of the company’s practice of pressuring employees to adhere to changing corporate culture.

“Each employee has been asked to make a personal commitment to State Farm,” one document reads.

“Overall, both claim representatives and management are not adhering to the Legal Services Program,” reads another.

A document from 1993 described claims practices.

a company-wide effort to discuss “career ambitions” with every employee, and another document revealed a change in policy: although “employment contingent” testing would come to an end — that is, pass a test or get fired — testing would continue to be used to determine employee competency.

Further documents establish arbitrary goal markers on “proactive claim handling,” reduction of non-assigned risk files, and early settlements.

Numerous documents reveal that throughout the 1980s and 90s, the company instituted a broad policy to achieve greater profits: take more claim cases to trial against aggrieved policyholders. In some cases, the goal of litigation was strictly reconnaissance — that is, to learn how much money a particular type of injury might be worth to a jury.

Amy Bach, who founded United Policyholders alongside DeLong, recalled her former partner as passionate about her work — almost to a fault.

Ed Bradley of “60 Minutes” asked DeLong as much.

“Was I too emotional?” Delong told Bradley, her voice cracking. “Yes, I was emotional. But when people’s lives are in danger because they had the audacity to trust, somebody needs to get emotional.”

As close as Bach and DeLong had once been, Bach was as uncertain of Delong’s roots as she was of her ultimate fate.

“I heard different stories,” Bach said. “I heard she was in an accident.”

Oklahoma City attorney Weddle, too, knew little of DeLong’s biography apart from the binder that had remained in his office for decades. Looking through them recently, he was struck by how clearly they presaged the hundreds of bad-faith cases now moving through Oklahoma courts.

“That corporate philosophy of looking for ways to pay less on claims — they set goals and criteria, and they were going to live by it,” Weddle said. “This isn’t some kind of mistake. It’s an ingrained corporate philosophy that goes back decades. That’s what these documents reveal.”

J.C. Hallman covers a variety of topics for Oklahoma Watch. Contact him at jchallman@ oklahomawatch. org.

SHS Students Receive Total Of $5.248M In Awards

Wed, 20 May 2026 06:00:10 -0500

Following is a list of scholarships and academic awards and incentives that were offered to Sulphur High School seniors during last Wednesdays (May 13) AcademicAwardsAssembly held at the Crossway Church.

Following are the awards and amounts. The person presenting the awards is listed in parenthesis, followed by the recipient: Joy Eidson $500 (Wayne Eidson) Ryla Linder; “Wormy” Evans Memorial Scholarship $500 (Joe Evans) Triston Barnes; Vision Bank $500 each (Julie Mayo) Eli Roberts and Korbin Mayo; Shelter Insurance $1500 (David Earsom) Dax Lowrance; Rotary Students of the Month $1,000 each (Lynn Hickman) Destiny Martinez and Anahi Uribe; Paul John Rotary $500 each (Lynn Hickman) Landy DeArman and Maddax Mobly; Sulphur Kiwanis Club $1,000 each (Cheri Gordon) Lola Freeman, Reese Moore and Megan Wells; Lenell Portman Kiwanis Sophomore of the Year $250 (Cheri Gordon) Riley Priest; Agee Family Scholarship $1,000 each (Cliff Agee) Kenleigh Johnson and Maddax Mobly; Dumas Scaff Memorial Scholarship $500 (Terri Pirtle/Karson Pirtle) Anahi Uribe; Leadsership Murray County Scolarship $500 (Lacee Sartors) Reese Moore; James Howe Memorial Scholarship $500 each (Clete Cole)Hunter Burleson and Castin Tully; First National Bank $500 each (Robin Jolly) Olivia Cox, Cambree Ransom and Castin Tully; Good Samaritan Award $500 (Clete Cole) Toby Walton; Carrie Hunt Sorosis Scholarship $1000 (Donna John) Kenleigh Johnson; Dina Magruder Memorial Scholarship $500 (Talley Thom- as) BrookeLynn Gaddy; Jim & Goldie Suther Scholarship $500 (Susie Suther) Olivia Cox; Lannom Family Scholarship $1000 (Clete Cole) Cambree Ransom; Kelsey Williamson Scholarship $1000 (Jamie Williamson & family) Amaurie Peters; Ducky Day Patriot Award $1000 (Toby Todd) Maddax Mobly; Class of 1975 $500 (Keith Billings/Keith White) Paisley Cravatt; SEC Scholarships $350 each (Clete Cole) Bridge Barrett, Riley Burnside, Cooper Cole, Colton Cole, Chloe Drawbaugh, Noah Heitland, Madi Hunt, Mallorree Jones, Nick McGill, Megal Wells and Emrie Williams; George Duck Award $500 (Clete Cole) Brody Wallace; Sarah DukeAward $500 (Clete Cole) Body Jennings; Phillip D. Kirtley Award $500 (Clete Cole) Megan Wells; Helping Hands $500 Castin Tully.

East Central University Foundation and University Scholarships were presented to 24 students.

Murray State Concurrent and Scholarships were presented to 58 graduates by Kristi Wade.

Two Sulphur High students, Brody Jennings and Paisley Cravatt, who were enrolled in the Murray State ACE Program, received their Associates Degree from the college along with their Sulphur High diploma during graduation exercises last Friday. These students are the first to complete the program in Sulphur. Currently there are six students enrolled in the program.

Oklahoma Baptist University presented scholarships totally $388,000.00 to five graduates.

Cameron University presented one scholarship totaling $8,000.

Other award recognitions include: National Technical Honor Society: Emmalee Arms, Tatum Barnes, Tristan Barnes, Bridge Barrett,Presley Blankenship- Pannell, Kale Brakefield, Hunter Burleson, Riley Burnside, Caiden Caraway, Colten Cole, Cooper Cole, Jonah Cole, Braleigh Collins, Carma Cook, Olivia Cox, Paisley Cravatt, Khloe Curtis, Landy DeArman, Chloe Drawbaugh, Jameson Ervin, Lola Freeman, BrookeLynn Gaddy, Madison Gonzales, Mason Griffin, Marlee Guffey, Grady Hardoin, Madison Hunt, Serenity Jackson, Tasha Jackson, Brody Jennings, Kenleigh Johnson, Kodie Jones, Mallorree Jones, Olivia Jordan, Abigail Leverett, Ryla Linder, Dax Lowrance, Damion Martin, Destiny Martinez, Korbin Mayo, Nicholas McGill, Maddax Mobly, Reese Moore, Riley Morgan, Yeraldo Oropeza, Savannah Patrick, Daira Pena Nieves,Amaurie Peters, Cambree Ransom, Hayden Raymo, Elisha Reagle, Kaydance Riegel, Emily Rogers, Kayla Rogers, Daniela Rojo Rios, Sydnie Rolin, Keagan Scott, Richard Sites III, Connor Sullivan, Jolee Thomas, Castin Tully, Camila Ugalde, Anahi Uribe, Geovanni Uribe, Brody Wallace, Megan Wells, Jayden white, and Emrie Williams.

Oklahoma Honor Society: Emmalee Arms, Triston Barnes, Hunter Burleson, Caiden Caraway, Colten Cole, Jonah Cole, Landy DeArman, Brody Jennings, Kenleigh Johnson, Maddax Mobly, Reese Moore, Cambree Ransom, Emily Rogers, Brody Wallace, and Megan Wells.

2026 Honor Graduates (3.75 GPAin Honors Program): Bridge Barrett, Braleigh Collins, Olivia Cox, Paisley Cravatt, Brooke-Lynn Gaddy, Madison Hunt, Tasha Jackson, Kodie Jones, Mallorree Jones, Ryla Linder, Destiny Martinez, Riley Morgan, Savannah Patrick, Amaurie Peters, Kaydance Riegel, Daniela Rojo Rios, Connor Sullivan, Jolee Thomas, Castin Tully, Anahi Uribe, and Emrie Williams.

2026 Valdictorians (4.0 GPA in Honors Program): Emmalee Arms, Triston Barnes, Hunter Burleson, Caiden Caraway, Colten Cole, Jonah Cole, Landy DeArman, Brody Jennings, Kenleigh Johnson, Maddax Mobly, Reese Moore, Cambree Ransom, Emily Rogers, Brody Wallace and Megan Wells.

Oklahoma Academic Scholars: Caiden Caraway, Jonah Cole, Paisley Cravatt, Landy DeArman, Brody Jenninhs, Kodie Jones, Reese Moore, Riley Morgan, Cambree Ransom, Emily Rogers, Connor Sullivan, Brody Wallace, and Megan Wells.

Oklahoma Academic All-State: Brody Jennings State FFA Degree: Chloe Drawbaugh.

Many students received scholarship offers from various colleges and universities that were reported to the school. The total combined value of the scholarship offers reported to school officials is $5,248,079.00.

These scholarship offers were in addition to the local scholarships mentioned above.

It was also noted at the ceremony that the total overall average ACT score for the class of 2026 was 19.6.

Officials also reported Sulphur has more than 60 Sulphur High School students who attend Southern Tech (Southern Oklahoma Technology Center) in Ardmore.

Honoring Those Who Served: Memorial Day In Sulphur

Wed, 20 May 2026 06:00:09 -0500

As Memorial Day approaches, communities across the nation pause to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States. In Sulphur, that tradition of remembrance remains strong and deeply personal.

At Oaklawn Cemetery, rows of American flags will stand beside the graves of local veterans — a simple but powerful tribute to those who answered the call to serve. Each flag represents a life of sacrifice, courage, and devotion to country, reminding visitors that freedom has never come without cost.

Memorial Day is more than the unofficial start of summer. It is a day set aside to honor those who never made it home. From battlefields across Europe and the Pacific during World War II to conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond, generations of Americans have defended the nation with valor and selflessness.

For many families in the Sulphur area, Memorial Day carries special meaning. Some visit cemeteries to place flowers beside loved ones. Others attend ceremonies, fly theAmerican flag, or quietly reflect on the sacrifices made by friends, neighbors, and relatives who served in the armed forces.

The sight of flags waving gently across Oaklawn Cemetery offers a moving reminder that these heroes are not forgotten. Their stories live on through the families they loved, the freedoms they protected, and the grateful communities they left behind.

As Americans gather this Memorial Day weekend, may we all take a moment to remember the true meaning of the holiday — honoring those who gave everything in service to our country.

Sulphur Grad Named Winner Of 2026 George Nigh Award

Wed, 20 May 2026 06:00:08 -0500

ADA, Okla. – Charlie Rogers was named East Central University’s 2026 George Nigh Award winner at the Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony, Friday May 15 at the Koi Ishto Stadium.

Rogers graduated with University Honors and a 4.0 GPA, earning a degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry.

During her time at ECU, Rogers served as Pre-Professionals Club President, Tri-Beta Biology Club Vice President, Senior Representative in Student Government Association and Book Club President within the ECU Honors Student Association Leadership Team. She also worked as an Anatomy Supplemental Instructor and Chemistry Teacher Assistant on campus.

Her clinical experience included serving as a Patient CareAssociate at Mercy Hospital and completing extensive physician shadowing. Her research centered on histopathology, culminating in an Honors Thesis on Bulldog Anasarca, which she presented at multiple academic conferences, including ECU Research Day and the Oklahoma Academy of Sciences.

A 2022 Sulphur grad, Rogers plans to pursue medical school at Oklahoma State University and will continue developing the knowledge and skills to become an effective physician, particularly in communities with limited healthcare access.

Top Sulphur Athletes Honored

Wed, 20 May 2026 06:00:07 -0500

Maddax Mobly, Amaurie Peters Named As Bill Lannom Outstanding Male And Female Athletes Of The Year

The Sulphur High School senior athletes were honored and recognized at the year-end sports’ assembly held last Wednesday at Crossway Church.

The Bill Lannom Athletes of the Year were: male, Maddax Mobly; and female, Amaurie Peters.

Mobly is one of the most accomplished and decorated athletes in the history of Sulphur athletics, according to Sulphur Athletic Director and head football coach, Corey Cole. “Maddax is the best servant leader I have had the pleasure to coach, he is loved and respected by his teammates and opponents for his will to win and desire to make everyone around him better. He is the most dynamic athlete we have ever had but more importantly, he is a better young man that serves as an incredible influence fort he current and future athletes of Sulphur.”

Here are some of Mobly’s accolades throughout his Sulphur career:

•first in Sulphur history to be named football 1st Team Daily Oklahoman All-State;

•1st team Tulsa World All-State;

•OCA All State;

•OCA 3A All-Star;

•Prep Redzone 1st Team All-State;

•4-year starter, starting 50 career games at Sulphur;

•91 career TD’s (school record); •6,741 total all-purpose career yards (school record);

•121 career interceptions (school record);

•2,231 career receiving yards (school record);

•26 career received TD’s (school record);

•3,602 career rushing yards with 58 TD’s;

•318 career tackles,

•10 career interceptions and 7 career fumble recoveries;

•98-26 career wrestling record, 2-time regional champion, state qualifier 3 years, and 3rd place finish in 2025 and 2026;

•4 year starter in baseball with .365 career batting average, 102 career hits, 103 runs.

Following are some of Peters’ career highlights:

•State qualifier in track, a

•AllAll-Conference honorable mention in basketball

•Involved in numerous school organizations.

Jim Nye Fighting Heart Awards The Jim Nye Fighting Heart Awards were presented to Cooper Cole and Landri Oxley.

Cole played football (district defensive lineman of the year), powerlifting (2 time state qualifier and medalist, and was an assistant coach in baseball).

Oxley played slow pitch and fast pitch softball as a 4-year starter.

Academic Athletes Of The Year

Academic Athletes of the year awards went to Brody Wallace, Landy DeArman and Kenleigh Johnson. All three athletes had a 4.0 GPA and ACT Super scores of 30, 31 and 26, respectively.

Wallace was a 3-year starter in football and was District O-Lineman of the Year, wrestling state qualifier and ran track.

DeArman ran cross country, was a wrestling state qualifier, pole vault state qualifier, and medalist.

Johnson was a state qualifier in cheer and also a shot put and discus state qualifier and medalist.

Jim Dixon Bulldog Award The Jim Dixon BulldogAward winners were Colten Cole, Bridge Barrett and Savannah Patrick.

More than 40 seniors received “Letter S” Awards for the various sports they participated in, many in more than one sport. The only 5-sport athlete recognized was Savannah Patrick.

All-State Selections Five Sulphur athletes were recognized for being selected to All-State teams. The athletes selected and the sport are as follows: Colten Cole (football); Maddax Mobly (football), Bridge Barrett (football), Noah Heitland (wrestling), and Jolee Thomas (wrestling).

State Champions

Several students were state champions in various sports and are as follows: Jolee Thomas (wrestling), Parker Wynn (wrestling); Triston Barnes (track/pole vault), Zoli May (powerlifting), Connor Sullivan (powerlifting), and Jason Gleason (powerlifting).

Named as the Male and Female Academic Athletes of the Year at Sulphur High School were, from left, Brody Wallace, Landy DeArman, and Kenleigh Johnson.

Sulphur High School baseball coach, Denton Miller, right was recognized by his peers (18 total coaches) as Coach of the Year for the 2025-26 season. He was presented the award by SHS Athletic Director, Corey Cole, left.

Amaurie Peters, left, and Maddax Mobly were named as the Bill Lannom Outstanding Male and Female Athletes of the Year.

The Jeff Nye Fighting Heart Awards were presented to Cooper Cole, above right, and Landri Oxley, not pictured. Presenting the award was SHS Athletic Director, Corey Cole, left.

Sulphur’s All-State athletes honored at last week’s All-Sports’ Banquet were, from left, Noah Heitland (wrestling), Maddax Mobly (football), Colten Cole (football), and Jolee Thomas (wrestling).

SHS State Champion Athletes were recognized at last week’s All-Sports Assembly. They are, from left, Jolee Thomas (wrestling), Connor Sullivan (powerlifting, and Triston Barnes (track - pole vault). Not pictured is Jason Gleason (powerlifting).

The Jim Dixon Scholarship winners were recognized at the SHS All-Sports Assembly last week. They are, from left, Cooper Cole, and Colten Cole, and Grady Hardoin, fourth from left. Also pictured are Dixon’s son, Reggie Dixon, third from left, his wife, Mary Alice Dixon, and daughter-in-law, Kim Dixon.

College Letters Of Intent

Sulphur had 14 athletes sign letters of intent, one behind the previous record of 15 signees last year.

Athletes who signed, the college, and sport are as follows: Kale Brakefield, Northwestern (football); Bridge Barrett, Northwestern (football); Colten Cole, Rice (football); Maddax Mobly, U.S. Naval Academy (football); Landri Oxley, NCTC (softball); Jolee Thomas, Oklahoma State (wrestling); Noah Heitland, Murray State (wrestling); Triston Barnes, Murray State (wrestling); Lola Freeman, OBU (cheer); Savannah Patrick, ECU (cheer); Grady Hardoin, ECU (track); Landy DeArman, ECU (track); Zak Kirk, Murray State (cross country), and Robin Mayo, Murray State (cross country).

New Awards

Two new awards were added to the list this year.

Several Sulphur coaches were recognized and received awards for their season accomplishments. They included girl’s softball coach Heath Gilbert with over 300 career wins; boy’s basketball coach Grant Bates was named OCA All-State Basketball Coach; Connor Webb was named OCA All-State Boy’s Wrestling Coach as well as OCA Girl’s Wrestling Coach of the Year; David Gilliam was recognized as Region 5 District Representative 8 in the state; and Sulphur football coaches were named Football Coaching Staff of the Year.

Coach Of The Year

A new “Coach of the Year” award selected by the staff of 18 coaches was presented to baseball coach Denton Miller. Miller led the baseball team to a 30-win season and made the Class 4A Super Regionals, only one game away from the state tournament. Miller also coaches the wide receivers and defensive backs in football, and is special teams’ coordinator for the football team.

The other new award was to “Team of the Year” selected by the coaching staff and that award went to the state runner-up football team.

Notable Teams & Individuals This Season

Below is a run down of notable teams and individuals in each sport and year end finish: Cross Country-boys and girls teams qualified for state, both were regional runner-up; cheer team was state qualifier, 5th at state; football team went 13-1, winning district champions, regional champions, area champions, state runner-up, and academic all-state champions; boy’s basketball won district champions/area tournament qualifier; boys wrestling won district champs, dual state qualifier, 7 state qualifiers, academic state champions; girls wrestling won 2 state champions, and finished 5th in state with 3 qualifiers; girls powerlifting won regional and state champions, Zoli May state champion, Madelynn McClure and Addy Hardoin state runner-up, and 8 qualifiers; boys powerlifting won regional and state champions with 16 qualifiers, 2 individual state champions, one state runner-up and 6 medalists; girls golf team was state qualifier with one state medalist, Jordan Johnson; girls track - 7 state qualifiers; boys track -12 state qualifiers, Grady Hardoin state runner-up 110 hurdles, Morgan Brown 3rd in 3200-meter run, several medalist in other event, finished 5th in state; and baseball-regional champions, 30 wins (most since 2005).

Voters Encouraged To Update Registration

Wed, 13 May 2026 05:00:16 -0500

With the Primary Election right around the corner, Murray County Election Board Secretary Rhonda Summers is encouraging all registered voters to verify their voting information using the State Election Board’s OK Voter Portal.

“If it’s been a while since you’ve voted or you’ve recently moved or changed your name, now is the time to make sure your registration information is up to date.

The OK Voter Portal can be found at oklahoma. gov/elections/ovp.

Summers said voters who have moved to another county or changed their name, will need to submit a new Voter Registration Application. Applications are available at the County Election Board or online at oklahoma.gov/elections. Most other changes such as mailing address can be made online at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp.

Changes must be submitted no later than 25 days before an election, the registration deadline for the June Primary Election Is May 22nd. Changes submitted after the deadline will be processed immediately following the election. Applicants whose registration forms are accepted will be mailed a new Voter Identification Card. Applicants whose registration forms are rejected will be notified in writing.

The Murray County Election Board is located at 703 W 11th, Sulphur. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Voters with questions should contact the County Election Board at 580-622-3800.

Teen Dies From April Crash Injuries;

Wed, 13 May 2026 05:00:15 -0500

Bicyclist Injured In Separate Accident

Two separate crashes in Love County over the past month left one man dead and another person seriously injured, according to reports from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

The fatal crash occurred April 9 at approximately 3:16 p.m. along U.S. 77 near Marietta.

According to OHP, 18-yearold Joseph A. Crisp of Marietta was traveling northbound on a motorcycle at a high rate of speed when he attempted to pass another vehicle. Troopers said Crisp lost control, departed the roadway to the left, struck a driveway embankment and became airborne before coming to rest about 227 feet north of the initial impact area.

Crisp was transported to Medical City Plano in Plano, Texas, for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash. OHP later reported he was pronounced dead by medical personnel onApril 15 at 9:11 p.m.

Trooper Chase Mass of Troop F investigated the collision.

In a separate injury accident Friday evening, May 8, a bicyclist was critically injured in a collision on Tabler Road near Thackerville.

According to OHP, the crash happened around 6:02 p.m. when a bicycle traveling eastbound on Tabler Road attempted to make a left turn in front of a pickup truck that was attempting to pass.

The bicyclist, identified as 35-year-old Jewel M. Dooling of Thackerville, was struck by the pickup and suffered injuries in the collision. Dooling was airlifted by CareFlight to Medical City Denton in Denton, Texas.

Area Accidents

The driver of the pickup, 57-year-old Deana L. Stanley of Thackerville, was not injured, according to the report.

Trooper Billy Mitchell of Troop F investigated the May 8 crash.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol noted both investigations remain preliminary and information could change as the investigations continue.

Weekly Column

Wed, 13 May 2026 05:00:08 -0500

Back the Blue

Today marks the beginning of National Police Week.Atradition that began in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed Joint Resolution 76 into law, this week now occurs annually as an opportunity for us, as Americans, to honor our brave law enforcement officers. So, first, I want to start by thanking our police officers who so selflessly put their lives on the line every single day to keep our communities safe and honoring the officers who have been disabled or tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.

In the halls of Congress, National Police Week means law enforcement officers from across the United States will travel to Washington, D.C. to attend memorials for their fallen brothers and sisters, participate in fun group events, and meet with Representatives and Senators to express their needs and what we can best do to support our men and women in blue. I, for one, can truly say I look forward to this week every year, as their presence serves as a reminder of their sacrifice.

Moreover, as the representative for so many law enforcement offi cers in Oklahoma’s Fourth District, I want to make this very clear: I back the Blue who keep this country safe. I stand with the officers who protect our streets and am not naive about the sacrifices they choose to make while knowing the dangers of the profession. I am for safety, order, and accountability and I will not defend the Democrats’ softon- crime policies that harm our communities. I respect those who put on the badge and stand bravely in the face of danger – and, this week, through the votes I plan to cast, I will prove just that.

House Republicans have several bills that will be brought to the House floor this week in honor of National Police Week. First, we will vote on H. Con. Res. 96, which reaffirms support for the law enforcement officers who protect us, honors the risk officers take and the families who stand behind them, and calls out the damage caused by the far-Left’s dangerous “defund the police” rhetoric. We also will vote on the Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act. This legislation closes the loopholes that let radical, charitable bail funds operate with little oversight while communities carry the risk, ensuring that a radical organization’s political agenda never takes priority over the safety of American families. Lastly, we will vote on the Cashless Bail Reporting Act, which will require the Attorney General to publish a public list of places that allow certain serious violent and sexual criminals to be released without cash bail.

Additionally, I will always ensure to represent Tribal law enforcement in Congress as well. As an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation myself, I know that predators prey on vulnerable children in Indian Country at alarming rates. Yet, Native American law enforcement faces obstacles and limitations when it comes to holding these criminals accountable. That’s why, earlier this year, I introduced the Tribal Warrant Fairness Act. By improving coordination and strengthening the partnership between the United States Marshal Service and Tribal law enforcement, my bill will make Native American communities safer and ultimately bring more criminals to justice. I am hopeful that this legislation will continue to advance through the legislative process, as it is critical that Tribal law enforcement are equipped with the resources they need as well.

So, in conclusion, I want to say thank you to those who put on the badge. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your bravery. America would not be the nation we know and love without you.

Attack On State Treasurer Lacks Merit

Wed, 13 May 2026 05:00:07 -0500

OPINION

In politics, particularly during election years, thinly sourced allegations of wrongdoing are not unusual. Even so, a recent attack on State Treasurer Todd Russ makes for especially thin gruel. We’re supposed to believe Russ spearheaded a conspiracy to award a state contract … to the lowest bidder.

Several years ago, the Oklahoma Legislature created the Invest in Oklahoma program to encourage state pensions to invest up to 5 percent of their assets in Oklahoma-based companies. Eventually, lawmakers also voted to put the treasurer’s office in charge of the program but provided no extra funding to the agency to cover associated costs.

This year, the Invest in Oklahoma Board, which consists of five members including Russ, awarded a contract to a vendor whose job is to now try to encourage pension boards to invest in Oklahoma businesses.

When Russ’ office put out a request for proposal (RFP) in November 2025, the only company to submit a bid was 311 Capital. Rather than simply award the contract to 311 Capital, Russ issued another RFP in January. Three companies responded that time: 311 Capital, MEMCO and GCM Grosvernor.

The 311 Capital bid was still the lowest bid submitted. Thus, Russ and the other four board members awarded the contract to 311 Capital.

But an online publication recently suggested the process was tainted because Russ’ office hired a lobbying firm this year, and that lobbying firm also represents the parent company of 311 Capital.

No one has argued that 311 Capital’s bid was not the lowest, or that there are any flaws with the bid. Instead, we are supposed to believe Russ sought to rig the process in favor of 311 Capital because of a shared lobbyist.

But when you rig a bidding process and your favored company emerges as the only bid submitted, you stop. You don’t take extra steps to increase competition that could drive down profits for the favored company. Russ’ critics appear blind to that logic.

Also, aside from Russ, the other members of the Invest in Oklahoma Board are Gov. Kevin Stitt, Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, and two individuals appointed by the speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the pro tempore of the Oklahoma Senate, respectively.

Are we to believe nearly every major state government leader joined Russ in this “conspiracy” to award a contract to the lowest bidder? Why would the House speaker, Senate president, or lieutenant governor agree to participate? Russ’ critics offer no explanation.

Further, 311 Capital won’t make any money unless state pension systems use their services, which requires subsequent approval from the governing boards of each system.

Put simply, favored companies don’t have to work this hard in a supposedly rigged process. This attack on Russ simply doesn’t hold water.

Jonathan Small serves as president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (www.ocpathink.org).

Graduating With Honor

Wed, 13 May 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Sulphur High School’s top academic students will be honored at this Friday’s graduation exercises. They are, from left, back row, Connor Sullivan, Jonah Cole, Bridge Barrett, Brody Wallace, Castin Tully, Landy Beau DeArman, Brody Jennings, Caiden Caraway, Colten Cole, Triston Barnes, Maddax Mobly, Riley Morgan; middle row, Amaurie Peters, Daniela Rios, Kenleigh Johnson, Emily Rogers, Cambree Ransom, Megan Wells, Reese Moore, Emmalee Arms, Kodie Jones, Tasha Jackson; front row, Madi Hunt, Kaydence Riegel, Destiny Martinez, Paige Collins, Jolee Thomas, Emrie Williams, Paisley Cravatt, and Ryla Linder. Not pictured are Hunter Burleson, Olivia Cox, BrookeLynn Gaddy, Malorree Jones, Savannah Patrick and Anahi Uribe.

City Manager Rehired In Split Vote; Councilman Resigns

Wed, 13 May 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Daniel Gordon Elected As Mayor In Council Reorganization

In a 3-2 vote, City Manager Andy Freeman was re-hired for another year at Monday night’s monthly council meeting. Following a six-minute executive session, members returned to regular session to make the approval and enter into contract negotiations with Freeman.

During new business, Ward 1 Councilman Alan McKay tendered his resignation as councilman effective immediately. McKay told staff they would have his official resignation letter before the end of the week.

In other business, clarification of a previously awarded bid was discussed by members. In a special meeting held on April 22, 2026, members awarded a bid on a water line project from the new water well on the Corey Stevens property to the water plant, however the bid proposals were for two different size lines. Bids were submitted for a 12” line and also for a 8” line. When approved at the special meeting, the motion did not specify which size line was being approved.

At Monday’s meeting, members approved the bid on the 8” line for the project. This line is part of the Chickasaw Nation/ OWRB Project.

In total seven contractors bid on the water line project. Contractors submitting bids and bid amounts for the 8” line are as follows: B & H Construction, LLC $2,753,000.00; Mach Energy $2,835,043.75; Heartland Utility Services, $3,152,558.00; C.D. Brown Construction, Inc. $3,372,615.00; Marsau Enterprises $3,427,608.67; Timco Blasting & Coatings $3,700,851.47 and Downey Contracting $4,337,815.00. Brown Construction was the only local bidder on the project.

Following the clarification of the line award, members voted 3-2 to approve the contract with C.D. Brown Construction on the project.

Bids to build an access bridge to the new well site were rejected by members because the bids received would have exceeded the remaining funds available in the $10 million grant project.

No action was taken on consideration to allocate additional funds for the Chickasaw Nation/ OWRB Project to build the access bridge and no action was taken on awarding a contract on the bridge since the bids were rejected.

Several bid openings were conducted at the meeting. D & D Outdoors received approval for the purchase of two Bad Boy Maverick 54” mowers at a total cost of $12,388.00. Casco Industries received approval on bids for 3 sets of coats and pants for the fire department at a cost of $16,650.00 plus shipping and for 15 MSA Air Pack Bottles at a total cost of $20,850.00.

Council

Two bids were received for the annual IT Services for the city. The successful bidder was Chickasaw Telecommunications Services Inc.

No action was taken on bid request for airport fuel and Hazmat & Spill Cleanup Services because no sealed bids were received.

Members approved the contract with RFD Construction for the building of the fire department substation. The bid was awarded at a recent meeting.

In final agenda action, members approved the annual SORD Landfill Agreement.

In the consent agenda, questions were raised on some of the purchase orders and invoices.

After some discussion, regarding the City Attorney budget, members approved payment on two of the three claims in the purchase orders. The third claim will be paid after a budget amendment is approved to once again increase the budget for the city attorney. Members increased the attorney budget a few months ago by taking $10,000.00 each from the fire and police budgets but that money has now been expended. To date the attorney position has been budgeted approximately $68,000.00 with two more months left in the current physical year.

City officials had requested a budget amendment for the Civil Defense Department of $500.00 but after reviewing the expenditures and encumbrances, it was determined that amount would need to be increased to $1,600.00 to cover all the invoices and encumbrances.

In the consent agenda, the board also approved the following: •payment to FirstNet for cell phone service in an amount no to exceed $900.00;

•payment to Finish Line for fuel for th4e month of May not to exceed $25,000.00;

•payment of $150.00 to D’Andra Parsons for interpreting services;

•payment to Environmental Resource Technologies, LLC for lab testing for $850.00;

•payment to Premiere Truck Group for repair of the 2025 Freightliner Truck for $38,236.48; and

•setting the FY 2026-2027 budget schedules for the General Fund Budget and the Sulphur Municipal Authority Budget.

Freeman updated members various projects within the city and stated he had been studying the City Nuisance Ordinance and letters could be going out soon to property owners.

Prior to agenda action, reorganization of the board was approved. Daniel Gordon was approved as Mayor and Darrell Cole was approved as Vice-Mayor.

All five board members were present at the meeting.

Johnson Selected As 4-H State Ambassador

Wed, 13 May 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Murray County 4-H’er Kiliana Johnson received the position of State 4-H ambassador serving for 2026-2031. She is one of 24 members from across the state serving in this role. She was selected on the basis of application, extemporaneous speaking and ability to write a proper thank you note. Johnson, right, is sharing the photograph with Cathy Allen, State 4-H Ambassador Advisor and Sr. Extension Specialist.

Dogs Take 5th In State Track Meet

Wed, 13 May 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Triston Barnes, Grady Hardoin, and Morgan Brown Lead Sulphur With Strong Performances

Behind a state champion performance, school records, and a collection of gritty efforts, the Sulphur Bulldogs capped off an impressive season with a fifth-place finish at the Class 4A State Track Meet last weekend in Catoosa.

Sulphur piled up 43.5 team points against one of the toughest fields in the state, led by standout performances from Triston Barnes, Grady Hardoin, Morgan Brown, and several relay teams who delivered under pressure.

“We knew scoring at the state meet would be a challenge because every event is loaded with elite competition, but I really believed this group was capable of standing up with anyone in Class 4A,” said Sulphur head coach Emile Heitland. “It was exciting to watch our athletes rise to the moment and compete so well all weekend.”

Barnes closed his Bulldog career in spectacular fashion by winning the Class 4A state championship in the pole vault, clearing 14 feet to claim the gold medal.

“Triston Barnes winning the Class 4A state championship in pole vault is an incredible achievement in his final season as a Bulldog,” Heitland said. “Class 4A has 56 teams so getting the opportunity to stand on top of the podium says everything about his work ethic, determination, and competitiveness. Triston is an extremely hard worker, and this accomplishment is very well deserved.”

Senior Landy DeArman also added valuable points in the pole vault, placing fifth after clearing 12-6.

“Landy DeArman may not have finished the season exactly the way he hoped, but his career at Sulphur has been outstanding,” Heitland said. “Becoming a twotime state placer is a tremendous achievement.”

Brown helped ignite Sulphur’s scoring surge early in the meet with a record-setting run in the 3200-meter race. The Bulldog distance standout finished third in a loaded field with a personal-best and school-record time of 9:44.03.

“Morgan Brown gave us a huge start in the very first running event of the meet,” Heitland said. “In an incredibly fast 3200-meter field, he ran a 9:44.03, dropping nine seconds off his personal best, and setting a new school record on the biggest stage says a lot about Morgan’s toughness and preparation.

“Finishing third at the state meet in that kind of competition is an outstanding accomplishment.”

Heitland praised Brown’s competitiveness and poise throughout the race.

“Morgan is one of the fiercest competitors I’ve ever coached,” he said. “No matter how tough the race gets, he always seems to find another gear at the end. What impressed me most was the way he stayed composed in such a fast race and still finished strong. That competitive drive is what makes him special.”

The Bulldogs also battled through adversity in the 3200-meter relay. Despite a dropped baton, the quartet of Jaxon Freehill, Andrew Hail, Calvin Downey, and Brown refused to fold, finishing just three seconds shy of a podium spot while still earning valuable team points.

“The 3200-meter relay has been one of our strongest events all season, and I truly felt like this group had a great shot at reaching the podium,” Heitland said. “We dropped the baton during the race and it would have been easy to get discouraged, but these guys never quit competing.”

Heitland credited the team’s resilience and determination.

“I was really proud of the way they responded to adversity and kept fighting to earn valuable points for our team,” he said.

Hardoin wrapped up his high school career with one of the top performances of the meet, medaling twice while setting a school record in the 110-meter hurdles and posting a personal best in the 300 hurdles.

“It was really exciting to see Grady finish his high school career with a PR in 300-meter hurdles, a school record in 110-meter hurdles, and two state medals,” Heitland said. “That says a lot about the work he’s put in this year and the competitor he is.”

Hardoin clocked a blazing 14.39 in the 110 hurdles to finish runner-up and later broke the 40-second barrier in the 300 hurdles.

“Running 14.39 in the 110 hurdles and cracking 40 seconds in the 300 hurdles were huge accomplishments for him,” Heitland said.

“What makes this performance so impressive is that Grady kept getting better under pressure. Every round he competed with confidence and responded with outstanding performances in the finals.

“To place second in the 110 hurdles and finish among the top times in Oklahoma across all classifications is an outstanding achievement. He represented our school at an incredibly high level.”

Sulphur’s 1600-meter relay team also delivered a historic per- formance. The quartet of Jaxon Freehill, Mavric Lowrance, Rush Pittman, and Ethan Sales broke a school record that had stood since 1962 while fighting their way to a fifth-place finish on the podium.

Sulphur up-and-coming distance runner, Morgan Brown, races down the track en route to a personal best of 9:44.03 to take third in the 3200-meter run. PHOTO BY DON COFFEY

Track

“I knew we had a chance to have a pretty good 1600-meter relay this year and a goal from the first meet was to chase that 1962 school record,” Heitland said. “They bought into the work, stayed committed, and to see them break it on the biggest stage was incredible.”

The Bulldogs entered the state meet with only the eighth-fastest qualifying time before outperforming expectations in the finals.

“They came into the state meet with the eighth-fastest qualifying time and fought their way up to fifth place on the podium,” Heitland said. “That says a lot about their heart and determination.”

The moment carried personal significance for Heitland, whose former coach, Carl Melson, ran on the previous record-holding relay team.

“This was a very special moment for me personally,” Heitland said. “Not only was this the second-oldest record on our board, but one of the runners on that 1962 relay team was my former track coach, Carl Melson. Coach Melson had a tremendous influence on me as both a coach and a person.

“I know Coach Melson would be proud for that record to finally come down after more than 60 years, and for it to happen with such a hardworking and respectful group of young men means a great deal to me.”

On the girls side, Sulphur’s Jayden Lee and Kenleigh Johnson each earned seventh-place finishes at the Class 4A State Meet.

Lee placed seventh in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:21.79, while Johnson finished seventh in the shot put with a throw of 36-0.5.

Sulphur girls coach David Gilliam also highlighted several personal-best performances from his athletes.

The 4x400-meter relay team of Zoli May, Kate Woods, Jayden Lee, and Amaurie Peters posted a season-best time of 4:08.37, while the 4x800 relay squad of Rory McMillan, Hoda Garner, Kate Woods, and Lee clocked a 10:16.69.

McMillan also broke her own school record in the 1600-meter run with a personal-best time of 5:31.48.

Determination and hard work pays off. For the 4th time this year, Rory McMillan broke her own school record with a time of 5:31 in the 1600-meter run at the state track meet last weekend in Catoosa. She finished just outside the scoring in 9th place.

PHOTO BY CLK PHOTOGRAPHY

Lady Bulldog Kenleigh Johnson winds up for a throw in the shot put in last weekend’s state Class 4A track meet. Johnson won seventh place with a throw of 36-05. PHOTO BY DON COFFEY

Lady Bulldogs Win 9th In State Golf Tourney

Wed, 13 May 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Sulphur sophomore Jordyn Johnston carved out a 36-hole score of 170 to place sixth in last week’s State 4A Golf Championship held at the Dornick Hills Golf and County Club in Ardmore.

Johnston led the Lady Buldlogs to a ninth place finish in an elite field of teams over the hilly Dornick Hills course. She improved her standing in the Class 4A field by eight places after having finished 14th in last year’s event in Shawnee.

Following Johnston in scoring for Sulphur were Keagan Scott, 190, Emrie Williams, 208, both seniors, and sophomores Sutton and Scout Runyan, 242 and 243 respectively.

Plainview captured the team title with a 672 total, led by second and third place individual winners, Sophie Groves, a sophomore, and Nora Riggs, a freshman, each firing 36-hole totals of 159.

Kennedy Parker, a junior, of Perkins-Tryon, was in at 4th place individually with a 166 total followed by Kate Moore, of Metro Christian, 168, and Johnston of Sulphur at 170 to round out the top six placers.

State Class 4A Golf Championship

(at Dornick Hills Golf and Country Club, May 7-8)

Team scoring: 1. Plainview, 672; 2. Metro Christian, 718; 3.

Holland Hall, 740; 4. Perkins-Tryon, 762; 5. Lone Grove, 765; 6.

Elk City, 769; 7. Clinton, 788; 8. Ft. Gibson, 790; 9. Sulphur, 796.

Top Individuals: 1. Megan Kalapura, Holland Hall, 149; 2.

Sophie Groves, Plainview, 159; 2. Nora Riggs, Plainview, 159; 4. Kenndy Parker, Perkins-Tryon, 166; 5. Kate Moore, Metro Christian, 168; 6. Jordyn Johnston, Sulphur, 170; 7. Erin Womack, Elk City, 171; 8, Aniston Reynolds, Metro Christian, 172; 9. Addison Sockey, Poteau, 174.

Sulphur Hurdler Signs With ECU

Wed, 13 May 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Sulphur hurdler Grady Hardoin, second from left, on Monday, signed with the East Central University track program. Hardoin is pictured with his parents, Jeremy, left, and Janelle Hardoin, right. Also pictured is Grady’s sister, Addy.

Grady is a four-time state qualifier in the 300-meter hurdles, winning second and fifth place state medals. In the

110-meter hurdles, he won a state runner-up and established a school record in that event. His coach, Emile Heitland, congratulated him during the signing ceremony as “one of the most accomplished hurdlers” in school history.

Dogs Bow Out Of State Baseball Tournament With Losses To LG

Wed, 13 May 2026 05:00:00 -0500

One win away from the state tournament, the Sulphur Bulldogs saw a memorable season come to an end last week as they dropped a best-of-three Class 4A Area Tournament series to the Lone Grove Longhorns.

Sulphur finished the season with a stellar, 30-8 record after splitting Thursday’s doubleheader before falling in the decisive third game Friday.

The Bulldogs opened the series Thursday with a heartbreaking, 1-0 loss despite a dominant performance from pitcher Michael Morris. Morris threw a complete game, allowing just five hits with no walks, one strikeout, and no earned runs.

Sulphur’s offense produced limited opportunities in the opener, but Colten Cole did everything he could to spark the lineup, going 3-for-3 with a double. Maddax Mobly added the Bulldogs’ only other hit in the narrow defeat.

Facing elimination in game two, Sulphur responded emphatically with a 14-4 victory to force a deciding game Friday.

Drake Wood tossed a complete game in the win, scattering four hits while striking out four. The Bulldog bats erupted for 11 hits, led again by Colten Cole, who went 3-for-4 with a double, home run, and five RBIs. Jax Jackson also had a huge performance, finishing 3-for-3 with a double and RBI.

The decisive third game proved difficult for Sulphur as Lone Grove plated 11 runs in the third inning on the way to a 13-3 victory.

Jayden McClure, Brady Foster, Traber Sartors, and Bridge Barrett all saw time on the mound for the Bulldogs. Despite the large deficit, Sulphur continued to battle. Michael Morris led off with a single and later scored, while in the following inning Maddax Mobly drew a walk before Carter Cole blasted a two-run home run for the Bulldogs’ final runs of the season.

Though the season ended one game shy of the state tournament, Sulphur head coach Denton Miller said the accomplishments of this year’s team will not be forgotten.

“It was a special season for our program,” Miller said. “The support we received from the Sulphur community, our parents, alumni, and school administration played a major role in the success we were able to achieve on the field. We’re incredibly grateful for the people who continue to invest in our players and our program.”

Miller praised the senior class for helping guide the Bulldogs to one of the program’s best seasons in recent history.

“As we look ahead to next season, we will certainly miss the production, leadership, and impact of this senior class,” he said. “This group accomplished a great deal, and finishing the year with a 30-8 record is something they should be extremely proud of.”

Even with the disappointment of the season-ending loss, Miller believes the experience will fuel the Bulldogs moving forward.

“At the same time, we’re excited about the future,” Miller said. “We return a talented group of players, and our younger guys are already eager to get back to work. Falling just one game short of the state tournament has added even more motivation heading into the offseason, and I’m looking forward to seeing the growth and development that comes from it.

“I can’t wait to get back to work with this group next spring.”

ABOVE: Sulphur first baseman Colten catches a throw for an out in last week’s Area Baseball Tournament. RIGHT: The Bulldog’s Bridge Barrett snags a ball from his second base position as Sulphur evened the best-ofthree Area Tournament series at Lone Grove last Thursday before losing the decisive game on Friday. PHOTOS BY BLAKE SEALE

Sulphur Veterans Treated To Mexican-Themed Luncheon

Wed, 13 May 2026 05:00:00 -0500

SULPHUR, OK — Veterans and staff at the Sulphur Veterans Home recently enjoyed an afternoon of food, fellowship, and celebration thanks to the support of local community organizations and volunteers.

Members of theAmerican Veterans Motorcycle Club provided a Mexican-themed luncheon for residents and staff, serving street tacos with a variety of toppings, along with rice, beans, and sopapilla cheesecake for dessert. The event brought residents, staff, and volunteers together for an afternoon filled with conversation, laughter, and shared experiences.

Home staff expressed appreciation for the organization’s continued support of Oklahoma veterans and the effort made to provide a welcoming and enjoyable event for everyone involved.

“The support from community partners means a great deal to our residents and staff,” the home shared. “Events like this provide opportunities for connection and remind our veterans that their service continues to be recognized and appreciated.”

In addition to the luncheon, the Sulphur Veterans Home also celebrated its April birthdays last week with residents, staff, and guests gathering for cake and fellowship.

Tiffany with Cross Timbers Hospice provided birthday cake for the celebration and spent time visiting with residents during the event. Staff thanked Cross Timbers Hospice for helping make the celebration special for the veterans who call the home their community.

The Sulphur Veterans Home is one of seven state-operated veterans homes managed by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, providing long-term care and support services to eligible Oklahoma veterans.

Murray County Club History Recalled As Members Celebrate OHCE Week

Wed, 13 May 2026 05:00:00 -0500

From the late 1800’s and through the early 1900s women’s clubs were formed across the rural communities ofAmerica but there was nothing organized or uniform and clubs had different names and were formed for different reasons. Things were going to change and so Extension club work began.

In Murray County records show that the first extension clubs were organized in late 1929-1930, a time when our county was experiencing the depression and the dust bowl. Times were hard.

Arriving from Oklahoma A&M was a new program called Extension and two educators were sent to Murray County to begin serving people and bringing knowledge and information from the Land Grant University to improve the lives of our people.

The first county agents were called the Agriculture Agent and Home Demonstration Agent and they traveled across Murray County’s rural communities offering the “Show and Tell” method of teaching.

The rural Murray County communities served included: Palmer, Drake, Oak grove, Fletcher, Big Canyon, Nebo, Buckhorn, Russell, Fairview, Chigley, Iona, Prices Chapel, Colbert, Rock Creek, Moss, Sunshine and Carr Chapel and the largest towns were Sulphur, Davis, Dougherty, Hickory and Scullin.

With the Home Demonstration Agent Home Demonstration Clubs sprang up in each of these communities and the community began to see change.

With these clubs members became involved in their local communities, rural schools started serving hot meals, hot water became available in school kitchens, playgrounds were cleared and cleaned, homes started to initiate “pride” by members assisting each other in landscaping, food safety was taught with safer ways of preserving foods, mattresses replaced straw with cotton and women learned to sew clothing for their family. Life changed for the best thanks to the Extension Service and Home Demonstration Clubs.

These are our roots and we are still improving our communities and our families lives with education and service 97 years later OHCE is still going strong!

OHCE is a statewide organization with members in all 77 counties

How Murray County Clubs Operate Murray County has four organized clubs located in different areas of the county.

They include: Helping Hand Club (organized in 1935), Oaklawn Club, (organized in 1958), Progressive, (organized in 1996), and Harmony, (organized in 1983). The current membership is 40 members.

Training topics are presented for lessons to share with members in the local group.

Each individual club meets monthly and comes together (all clubs) for a monthly community meeting where a lesson is shared on various topics Four Council Meetings held each year to plan and conduct OHCE business, projects, reports and member recognition Community service items are donated each month by each member and all items are collected to distribute at the annual Toys for Tots party – examples of items include coloring books, gloves, socks, etc.

Three major projects conducted in 2025 included:

•Toys for Tots providing all food and drinks for the 150 plus in attendance as well as providing over 650 items to place in each child’s stocking

•Wreaths Across America fundraising for wreaths for the Oaklawn Cemetery Veterans graves. We organize the wreath laying, order the wreaths which cost $17.50 per wreath, conduct the ceremony and pay the Chickasaw Honor Guard for presenting the flags, playing of Taps and the 21-gun salute

•Providing meals for the MyPi (My Emergency Preparedness Initiative) camp held in Sulphur with youth attendees from across the state, and provided breakfast meals for the Sulphur High SchoolAlternative Ed class while they attended the MyPi classes held at the Extension Office.

A Small List of the Individual Club Projects:

•Adopting a Veteran, honoring holidays and their birthday with them

•Donating financial assistance for low-income students to attend 4-H camp

•Making table decorations for the county Nursing Homes

•Helping Hand club placed wreaths on Veteran graves in Drake and Buckhorn cemeteries

•Donated baked items to 4-H kitchen for stock show and county fair

•Served as superintendents for the various divisions of the county fair

•Made caps for the Chickasaw Nation hospital new born babies

•Donated craft items to the children at Toby Keith’s OK Korral for children with cancer

•Donated to the Ambassadors which provides scholarships for Extension Educators for educational opportunities and special projects •Donated clothing to a family who lost their home to fire

•Donated school drawstring bags to a school in Africa

•Donated underwear and children’s clothing to the Davis School closet

•Provided breakfast foods for Sulphur High School Alternative Ed class MyPi training held at Extension Office

•Provided money to purchase food for the Sulphur Alternative Ed students participating in basic cooking skills class sponsored by the Extension Office.

OHCE focuses on leadership skill development, not only for club service but service to the community and state as well. Examples of some of the OHCE members who are active outside of the county on different levels include: Javonna Earsom is Oklahoma voting delegate to the Associated Country Women of the World Organization, Past National President of ACWW, and 2026 Oklahoma voting delegate to 31st Associated Country Women of the World triennial Conference meeting in Canada.

Teo Hair is State project chairman for OHCE projects, and voting Oklahoma delegate toACWW National meeting held in Canada.

Mary Mueller is member of the State OHCE Board.

Marilyn Bearden is Secretary of the LAWA (Lake of the Arbuckles Watershed Association.

JoRetta Morris is board member for NRCS, Murray County.

Susie Edgar is Chickasaw Nation Official Peace Maker.

The 2025 value of a volunteer hour is $36.14 , the value of Murray County OHCE Volunteer Hours in 2025 is a total of $35,140.00 community impact.

Leadership Murray County Class Graduates

Wed, 13 May 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Murray County Leadership Class XXI, above, recently completed their year-long course and graduated.This class’ project was the renovation of the Murray County Expo Centers restrooms as well as a donation to the LMC Scholarship fund.

Pictured are, from left, front row, Tayler Estep, Brittany Osornio, Tiffeny Baxter and Katie Barnard; back row, Ryan Hicks, Travis McCracken, Cole Goodman, Charlesey Poe, Brittany Stout, Shanon Norton and Rebekah Mildren

Runyan Elected New School Board President

Wed, 06 May 2026 06:00:10 -0500

Elementary School Awarded $65K Technology Grant

Reorganization of the board was the first order of business at the regular monthly meeting of the Sulphur Board of Education Monday night.

Officers for the 2026-27 school year will be President Bear Runyan, Vice-President Jenny Trett and Clerk Benji Sartors.

Board member CliffAgee, who ran opposed in the recent board filings, was administered the Oath of Office by Board Attorney Fob Jones.

Following the re-organization, Vice-President Trett took over the meeting in the absence of the president.

Superintendent Matt Holder presented the treasurer’s report to the members. Holder said the district is in good financial standing with combined cash balances of more than $10 million, up from the same time last year.

Holder updated members on recent state legislation affecting schools for the coming year including the permanent no cell phone policy from bell to bell, and the additional instruction days added to the school calendars beginning in 2027-28. Holder told members the Sulphur calendar already meets the criteria without having to add more days.

In the principal’s reports, Sulphur Elementary Principal Shannon Muck told members the elementary school had received notification of being awarded a OETT (Oklahoma Educational Technology Trust) Grant for the coming year in the amount of $65,000.00. Sulphur was one of 21 schools to receive the grant. A total of $40,000.00 will be used for equipment, and $25,000.00 will be used for professional development.

Muck, as well as middle school principal Steven Pyle also reported that state testing is complete and the year is winding down with last day of school May 14. High school graduation will be held May 15 at 8:00 p.m. at Agee Field.

Members approved the AWARE manager contract for the 2026-27 school year through September when the grant program will be ending.

Also approved for the 2026-27 school year was the Sylogist and ERATE annual contracts.

Josh Brewer was approved to be added to the substitute list.

Following a short executive session, members returned to regular session and accepted the retirements of Lacrinda Howard and David George; the resignation of Courtney Troxxel; the employment of Kailey Eaton as middle school custodian, and Lawton Tyson as middle school math teacher; rehiring all certified staff, support staff and summer workers.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies Held For Two Sulphur Businesses

Wed, 06 May 2026 06:00:09 -0500

Grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremonies were held last Friday for two local businesses. Cup & Crumb Coffee & Bakery, formerly a food truck operation, left photo, opened in their new location at 2002 West Broadway. The business is owned and operated by Carrie Ransom and Mika Woods. The firm features homemade sweet treats, handcrafted coffees and other specialty drinks, plus a variety of sandwiches and salads.

Store hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Saturday 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., closed Sunday.

Immediately following, ribbon was cut for the grand re-opening of Bromide Mountain Company, right photo, located adjacent at 2000 West Broadway. Bromide Mountain Co. was completely destroyed in the April, 2024 tornado in downtown on Muskogee Street.The grand re-opening took place just a few days past the second anniversary of the tornado.

Bromide is owned and operated by the Tucker Family, Chet, Jade, Blakelyn and Banks.The business features many themed gifts and outdoor gear including Patagonia clothing and apparel; curated gifts; souvenirs and locally made items.

The shop is open Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m.3:00 p.m., and closed on Sunday.

Many local citizens and chamber members were on hand to celebrate the openings.

Storms Pummel Area

Wed, 06 May 2026 06:00:08 -0500

Tornado-warned storms nearly two weeks ago and then last Tuesday sent Sulphur residents fleeing to their shelters, but only scattered damage to trees, power lines and out buildings was reported.

On Friday, April 24, a strong circulation was reported west of Davis headed east, southeast.

A tornado associated with that storm moved over Davis and into Sulphur in the late afternoon hours, as warning sirens sounded in both communities. The circulation did not reach the ground, however, and minimal damage was reported. Large hail was reported in northwestern parts of the county.

Then on Tuesday, April 28, another tornado-warned storm packing high wind, torrential rain and small hail lashed Sulphur through the late morning hours.

Amaximum wind gust of nearly 50 miles-per-hour was reported from the Oklahoma Mesonet weather site, just north of Sulphur. Some Sulphur residents were without power for several hours before crews from OG&E could repair damaged poles and lines.

While many area communities sounded their sirens, the Hickory community’s siren was temporarily off line, however deputies from the Murray County Sheriff’s office drove through that area warning residents of the impending storm. Resident David Byers this week thanked the sheriff’s office for their help in warning Hickory residents. The siren has since been repaired.

Although only 1.20 inches of rain was reported, it came fast and furious, flooding low areas of the city. Wind uprooted trees, and caused scattered light damage in and around Sulphur.

The rain improved this area’s drought situation, raising the yearly total to 11.67 inches. Normal rainfall totals are about 35 to 40 inches in any given year. Last year, the area received about 41.93 inches.

PHOTO BY BLAKE SEALE

Dogs Storm To Regional Baseball Title

Wed, 06 May 2026 06:00:07 -0500

After Senior Night Gem, Pitching And Power Kick In For Regional Wins Over Madill, Kingfisher

The Sulphur Bulldogs closed out the home season with a meaningful Senior Night victory, then carried that momentum into a dominant regional tournament run, capturing the championship in convincing fashion under firstyear head coach Denton Miller.

Sulphur (29-6) rebounded from a late-season skid—dropping three straight, including two to top-ranked Tuttle Tigers—by rattling off four consecutive wins when it mattered most.

Senior Night Send-Off On Monday, April 27, the Bulldogs honored their seniors with a 10-4 win over Noble Bears. It was a balanced performance, highlighted by a strong showing from the pitching staff and a relentless offensive attack.

Bridge Barrett, Traber Sartors, Lucas Mitchell, andAiden Graves combined to limit Noble to just three hits while striking out eight. Despite issuing six walks, the Bulldogs kept the Bears in check throughout.

At the plate, Sulphur’s lineup delivered. Carter Cole went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs, Drake Wood finished a perfect 3-for-3 with a double and two RBIs, and Maddax Mobly added three hits and scored three runs.

Colton Cole provided the biggest swing of the night, launching a three-run home run to cap the Senior Night celebration.

They ended the regular season in a narrow, 4-3 loss at Kingston on Monday.

Regional Tournament Dominance Sulphur carried that energy into the regional tournament, overwhelming its opponents with both pitching and power.

Sulphur’s Carter Cole goes over the fence on the first pitch of the regional against Kingfisher last Thursday. Cole went on to hit two more home runs in that run-rule win. PHOTO BY BLAKE SEALE

Sulphur senior baseball players played their final regular season home game on Monday, April 27, beating Noble, 10-4 on senior night. They are, from left, Bridge Barrett, Noah Heitland, Maddax Mobly, Kale Brakefield, Jayden McClure, Colten Cole, and head coach Denton Miller.

Regional Win

The Bulldogs opened with an 11-1 victory over Madill Wildcats on Wednesday, April 29. Lucas Mitchell tossed a complete game, allowing just three hits and one earned run while striking out 11 without issuing a walk. Offensively, Carter Cole nearly hit for the cycle, going 3-for-4 with a home run, triple, and four RBIs.

Later that day, Sulphur rolled past Kingfisher Yellowjackets, 11-1, in a run-rule shortened contest. Michael Morris was efficient on the mound, throwing just 55 pitches over five innings while allowing one run and striking out six.

A six-run third inning broke the game open. Carter Cole crushed a three-run homer to right field, Drake Wood added a solo shot, and Colton Cole blasted a two-run home run to left as the Bulldogs’ bats erupted.

Sulphur sealed the regional title on Thursday, April 30, with a 13-2 win over Kingfisher. Drake Wood dominated on the mound, allowing just one hit and no earned runs while striking out four. Meanwhile, Carter Cole delivered a historic performance, going 3-for-4 with three home runs and seven RBIs.

“The entire team is back to competing at a high level at the plate,” Miller said. “Through the regional tournament alone, the team batting average is .424 with 28 hits and 32 RBIs.”

Eyes On State

With the regional championship secured, the Bulldogs now turn their attention to the area tournament. Following a regular- season finale at Kingston, Sulphur will travel to face Lone Grove Longhorns in a best-ofthree series.

Ranked ninth in the 16-team bracket, Sulphur faces a tough draw against No. 8 Lone Grove, with the winner advancing to the state tournament. Games are scheduled for Thursday at 5:00 and 7:30 p.m., with an if-necessary game Friday at 5:00 p.m.

Riding a wave of momentum and offensive firepower, the Bulldogs appear poised to keep their postseason run alive.

The Sulphur Bulldogs celebrate lastThursday after beating Kingfisher to win the regional baseball title. PHOTO BY BLAKE SEALE

Dogs Runner-up, Girls 5th In Regional Track

Wed, 06 May 2026 06:00:06 -0500

The Madill regional track meet on Saturday, May 2, proved to be a breakthrough moment for the Sulphur High School track and field program,with the Dogs claiming a runner-up finish while the girls placed fifth in a highly competitive field.

Sulphur’s boy’s team delivered a strong all-around performance, finishing second with 95 points, just behind Broken Bow’s 102. Ardmore followed closely in third with 94 points, underscoring how tightly contested the meet was from start to finish.

“We had a really strong meet and went into the 1600-meter relay in first place, which is exactly where you want to be,” said head coach Emile Heitland. “You can’t ask for much more than having a chance to be regional champions going into the final event and then delivering your best performance of the season.”

One of the biggest highlights of the day came in the 3200-meter relay, where Jaxon Freehill, Andrew Hail, Calvin Downey, and Morgan Brown set a new school record with a time of 8:17.71.

“I’m really proud of that group,” Heitland said. “All four legs ran extremely well and posted some of their best splits of the season, which shows how well they’re coming together at the right time.”

Hail stood out individually as well, recording a personal-best split of 2:03 in the relay and following it with a 2:02.82 in the open 800.

The Bulldogs nearly capped the meet with a championship, but came up just short in the 1600-meter relay. The team of Freehill, Mavric Lowrance, Rush Pittman, and Eathen Sales ran a season-best 3:27.11—just .01 seconds off the school record.

“They gave everything they had,” Heitland said. “I couldn’t be prouder of those guys, and I’m really excited to see what they can do at state.”

In field events, Sulphur’s pole vault crew turned in a dominant showing. Landy DeArman captured first place while Triston Barnes finished second, both clearing 13 feet, 6 inches—a mark tied for the best at a 4A regional this season. Drew Brinson also qualified for state with a fifthplace finish.

“Coach Joe DeArman has done an excellent job developing this group,” Heitland said. “They are peaking at the right time.”

Grady Hardoin led the charge on the track, winning the 110-meter hurdles and placing second in the 300-meter hurdles to qualify for state in both events.

“Grady had another outstanding meet,” Heitland said. “He ran clean races and did exactly what we expected.”

Morgan Brown added to the Bulldogs’ success by winning the 3200 meters and finishing second in the 1600, while Calvin Downey secured a state berth in the 1600 with a personal-best time of 4:36.21.

PHOTO BY DON COFFEY

Among Sulphur’s top placers in last Saturday’s regional track meet in Madill were, from left, Triston Barnes, 2nd in the pole vault; Jayden Lee, first in the 800-meter run; and Grady Hardoin, first in the 110-meter hurdles. PHOTO BY DON COFFEY

LEFT: Sulphur 3200-meter relay runners, from left, Calvin Downey, Morgan Brown, Andrew Hail, and Jaxon Frehill, are state bound after qualifying in last Saturday’s regional meet. ABOVE: Dax Lowrance also qualified for the state meet with a 5th place in the high jump. PHOTOS BY DON COFFEY

Meanwhile, Dax Lowrance battled through a hamstring injury to post a personal-best 6-foot-2 in the high jump, earning a state qualifying spot.

“Even with the hamstring still bothering him, Dax put together the best performance of his career,” Heitland noted.

Girls Win 5th

On the girls’ side, Sulphur finished fifth with 61 points, highlighted by several standout performances and multiple state qualifiers.

Jayden Lee led the way with a first-place finish in the 800 meters, while Amaurie Peters qualified in both the 100 and 400, setting a personal record of 59.62 in the latter. Rory McMillan added a third-place finish in the 1600 with a PR of 5:33.87.

The Lady Bulldogs’3200-meter relay team of Kate Woods, McMillan, Daniela Rojo Rios, and Lee placed second, while the 1600-meter relay team also secured a state berth with a fifthplace finish.

In the field events, Kenleigh Johnson qualified for state in both shot put and discus, continuing Sulphur’s strong showing across disciplines.

The Lady Bulldogs are led by head coach David Gilliam.

With numerous athletes advancing and several peaking at the right time, Heitland is optimistic heading into the state meet.

“It’s exciting to see this group peaking right now,” he said. “They’ve put themselves in a great position, and we’re looking forward to seeing what they can do at the state meet next week.”

Boys Medalists, State Qualifiers

•1600m relay 4th (Jaxon Freehill, Morgan Lowrance, Rush Pittman, Eathen Sales, *State Qualifiers,* PR 3:27.11

•3200m relay 3rd - Jaxon Freehill, Andrew Hail, Calvin Downey, Morgan Brown,*State Qualifiers,* PR 8:17.71

•Morgan Brown, 1st 3200m, *State Qualifier*

•Grady Hardoin, 1st 110m hurdles, *State Qualifier*

•Andrew Hail, 6th 800m, PR 2:02.82

•Grady Hardoin, 2nd 300m hurdles, *State Qualifier*

•Rush Pittman, 4th 300m hurdles Eathen Sales, 6th 200m, PR 23.16

•Morgan Brown, 2nd 1600m, *State Qualifier*

•Calvin Downey, 3rd 1600m, *State Qualifier,* PR 4:36.21

•Acer Dixon, 5th shot put

•Kaleb Walker, 6th shot put, PR 41-00.75

•Dax Lowrance, 5th high jump, *State Qualifier,* PR 6-02

•Landy DeArman, 1st pole vault, *State Qualifier,* PR 13-06

•Triston Barnes, 2nd pole vault, *State Qualifier,* PR 13-06

•Drew Brinson, 5th pole vault, *State Qualifier*

•JoJo Gray, 5th long jump, PR 20-01.5

Girl’s Medalists, State Qualifiers

•1600m relay 5th - (Zoli May, Kate Woods, Jayden Lee, Amaurie Peters) *State Qualifier,* PR 4:13.46

•3200m relay 2nd (Kate Woods, Rory McMillan, Daniela Rojo Rios, Jayden Lee), *State Qualifier,* PR 10:20.89

•Hannah Hail 6th, 3200m

•Amaurie Peters 4th, 100m, *State Qualifier*

•Amaurie Peters 3rd, 400m, *State Qualifier,* PR 59.62

•Jayden Lee 1st, 800m, *State Qualifier* •Rory McMillan 5th, 800m

•Amaurie Peters 5th, 200m

•Zoli May 6th, 200m

•Rory McMillan 3rd, 1600m, *State Qualifier* PR 5:33.87

•Kenleigh Johnson 3rd, shot put, *State Qualifier*

•Kenleigh Johnson 6th, discus, *State Qualifier*

•Zoli May 5th long jump PR 15-10.5 Team Scores Regional Track Meet (at Madill, May 2)

Boys: 1. Broken Bow 102 , 2. Sulphur 95, 3. Ardmore 94, 4. Bethany 85, 5. Elk City 62, 6. Purcell 49, 7. Poteau 44, 8. Madill 34, 9. Lone Grove 30, 10. McLoud 21, 11. Pauls Valley 18, 12. Harding Charter Preparatory 17.

Girls: 1. Bethany 127.5, 2. Elk City 100, 3. Broken Bow 95, 4. Ardmore 70, 5. Sulphur 61, 6. Madill 57, 7. Purcell 47, 8. Lone Grove 35.5, 9. Pauls Valley 23, 10. McLoud 18, 11 Poteau 8.

Rory McMillan broke her own school record for the third time this season in the 1600-meter run with a 5:33. She is shown above in a relay race in last Saturday’s regional meet in Madill. “Breaking records is never easy, doing it 3 times in one season is a testament to her hard work and determination,” said assistant coach Kari Seitz. McMillan was among several local girls to qualify for next weekend’s state meet. PHOTO BY BLAKE SEALE

Lady Bulldog Kenleigh Johnson won third in the shot put and sixth in the discus, qualifying for the state track meet in both events. She is pictured in the discus in last week’s regional tournament in Madill. PHOTO BY DON COFFEY

Sulphur’s Amaurie Peters runs a leg in the 1600-meter relay team, a fifth place winner in the regionals in Madill last Saturday and a state qualifier. Peters also qualified for state in the 100 and 400-meters, winning fourth and third respectively in the regional in Madill. PHOTO BY DON COFFEY