BELOW: Baseball trickster, Matt Wolf, center, a former Sulphur player and currently with the Indianapolis Clowns of the Banana Ball League, assists with coaching duties at local baseball skills’ camp this week.

The camp was held for kids in the second through fifth grades. Others assisting in the camp were Reese Ratchford, Lucas Mitchell, Dawson Muck and Harry Taylor.

Thousands of people braved the brutal July heat to celebrate the Nation’s 250th birthday in an event held at the iconic Artesian Hotel in downtown Sulphur.

The free event, called Beats and Bites, went off two days before Independence Day, but still attracted a huge crowd who jammed onto Muskogee Street and nearby areas to listen to live music, partake in family friendly activities, food trucks and watch a grand fireworks show to cap it off.

The photo at left shows the extent of the crowd, while the below photo shows one of the large fireworks going off over the night sky adjacent to the hotel.

Activities got underway at 5:00 p.m. on July 2 Among some of the performers were Stoney LaRue and a the local TJ Todd Band.

Many football games are decided in the closing minutes, while others are won long before the opening kickoff. More often than not, victories are built during the long hours in the weight room and through the grueling conditioning sessions that take place under Oklahoma’s July sun.

For the Sulphur Bulldogs, that work officially resumed Monday as players and coaches returned to the practice field following the Oklahoma Secondary SchoolActivitiesAssociation’s mandatory dead week surrounding the Fourth of July holiday.

After finishing as Class 3A state runner-up for the second consecutive season, head coach Corey Cole said the disappointment of falling just short of a championship has provided plenty of motivation throughout the offseason.

“Last year’s disappointing loss in the state championship has fueled the Bulldogs’ summer workouts,” Cole said.

The Bulldogs entered July after completing a productive spring practice schedule, competing at team camp in Durant and finishing their June Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Now, Cole said, the focus shifts to what he considers the most important month of the offseason.

“The football team had great spring practices, a very competitive team camp at Durant and completed June OTAs,” Cole said. “But now that July has hit, the 2026 season seems so much closer. July has, and always will be, a very important month for Bulldog football. We consider this month the backbone of our football program.

“The weight sessions are very intense and the conditioning program is brutally tough. We feel like if our kids can make it through July, they have a great opportunity to have a very successful football season.”

While the physical aspect of the workouts is demanding, Cole said July also serves another important purpose — building team chemistry and developing leadership.

“We use July as a huge team-bonding time,” he said. “It’s a time to get committed to the team and to each other and to form the Bulldog brotherhood.

“We lost a lot of really good football players in 2025, and they were also great leaders. The summer is when we must find the leaders of 2026.”

Rather than looking ahead to the season opener, Cole said the Bulldogs are concentrating on improving one day at a time.

“Right now, we are just focused on getting better each and every day and looking to embrace every challenge that is put forth each day,” he said.

Although the regular season is still two months away, Cole knows the calendar moves quickly.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how much this team grows together over the next couple of months,” he said. “September 4 will be here before you know it. We have a really tough non-district schedule with Washington, Davis and Gunter, Texas, and we know we must prepare each and every day to give ourselves a chance.

“The summer is a grind, and we have to accept it every day.” The Bulldogs have compiled an impressive 25-3 record over the past two seasons while reaching the Class 3A state championship game both years.

Last season was one of the most memorable in school history. Sulphur opened the year by snapping Washington’s 45-game winning streak before a packed crowd at Agee Field, then reeled off 12 consecutive victories to advance to the state championship game in Edmond.

The Bulldogs ultimately fell to Lincoln Christian for the second straight year, but that defeat has become motivation as another championship pursuit begins.

If Cole is right, the foundation for the 2026 season won’t be built under the Friday night lights this fall. It is being forged now, through countless repetitions in the weight room, demanding conditioning drills and the commitment required to endure another July together.

Chickasaw Nation Governor ChrisAnoatubby and Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby expressed confidence in Lt. Governor Wood’s skills and dedication to the Chickasaw people.

“Through his support of programs and services that lift up our elders and youth, Scott Wood has shown that he prioritizes the Chickasaw people above all in his duties as a legislator for more than a decade,” said Chickasaw Nation Governor Chris Anoatubby. “As a leader, he has been responsive to the Chickasaw people’s needs, and he has the initiative and drive to help guide the Chickasaw Nation to continued prosperity. The Chickasaw Nation is poised to continue our path to cultural revitalization and advancement for years to come.”

“Scott Wood has the leadership qualities, education, experience and knowledge necessary to help move the Chickasaw Nation forward in our mission. As part of the team charged with leading the Chickasaw Nation to ongoing success, along with Governor Chris Anoatubby, Lt. Governor Scott Wood will be a stalwart advocate of the tribe’s people and interests,” said Chickasaw Nation Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby.

Lt. Governor Wood has served as a legislator since he was elected in 2012. He served as the Chickasaw Nation Legislature’s secretary from 2018 to 2020. He was elected its chairman from 2020 to 2022.

During the ceremony, Lt. Governor Wood stated that he feels extremely blessed to be asked to serve as part of the executive team expressing his support for the newly sworn in Governor. Lt. Governor Wood stated, “Thank you for believing in me and our team, and I want to say there is no one more qualified than Governor Chris Anoatubby to lead us.

I always tell people when they ask me about my job as a legislator – I always tell them it’s the greatest job in the world. It’s an honor and a privilege to be an elected official because we get to serve Chickasaw people, and that’s what I love doing,” Lt. Governor Wood said. “I love to see Chickasaw people do well and our nation thrive, so I look forward to this new journey because I’m going to do the same thing, but just in a different capacity.”

The Chickasaw Nation Legislature consented to Lt. Governor Wood’s appointment. Legislator David Woerz, Pickens District, made the motion to approve and Legislator Lisa Johnson Billy, Pontotoc District, seconded the action and the resolution was unanimously approved in the specially called session.

Chickasaw Nation Legislature Chairperson Connie Barker spoke of Lt. Governor Wood’s dedication to citizens in his work as a legislator. She said the Chickasaw Nation Legislature looked forward to working with him in his new role, “Scott has long served the Chickasaw people well and has worked to improve their lives. He will continue to put Chickasaw people first in his role as Lt. Governor,” said Barker.

Lt. Governor Wood dedicated his time as a legislator to upholding programs and services that enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people. He supported legislation aimed at bolstering the well-being of the youth and elderly, recognizing their integral role in ensuring the future prosperity of the Chickasaw Nation.

He considers it the highest priority for elected officials to support educational programs to furnish youth with the necessary knowledge for success and to provide a foundation for youth to contribute meaningfully to the future of the Chickasaw Nation.

Lt. Governor Wood believes the welfare of elders is indispensable for the perpetuation of Chickasaw culture and heritage, ensuring its preservation for years to come. He has championed the economic growth of the Chickasaw Nation through diversification and securing its sustainability.

Lt. Governor Emeritus Jefferson Keel, who served in Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby’s administration for 20 years, said Lt. Governor Wood has long served the Chickasaw people, and he is the right choice for the position.

“I am both honored and excited to voice my wholehearted and unwavering support for Mr. Scott Wood for the office of Lt. Governor of the Chickasaw Nation,” Lt. Governor Emeritus Keel said. “Scott understands the needs of the Chickasaw people, and I know that he will serve them with honor and integrity.”

Lt. Governor Wood was born in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, to Larry and Eugenia Wood. He is the grandson of the late Lousie Wadlington (Carney), a Chickasaw, and the late Frank Wood, of Seminole descent.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science from East Central University (ECU) in 1992, followed by an additional Bachelor of Science degree in pre-med from ECU in 1995. In 2000, he earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas, Texas. In 2013, he furthered his expertise by completing a certification program in animal chiropractic at Parker College of Chiropractic.

Lt. Governor Wood’s career got its official start as a commissioned officer at the Shawnee Indian Health Center under the Indian Health Service. Upon earning his doctorate in 2000, he established a private practice in Tishomingo where he has served ever since.

His civic and community activities include serving as a board member at the Dallas Interurban Indian Clinic in Dallas, where he played a pivotal role in the recruitment of a new clinic administrator and fulfilled various other responsibilities. In 2016, Lt. Governor Wood was designated as a member of the Murray State College Board of Regents where he served as a board member until 2020.

In 2001, he received the prestigious honor of induction into the Tishomingo Athletic Hall of Fame in recognition of his distinguished performance in football, basketball and track during his time at Tishomingo High School.

He and his wife, Ashley, have been married 24 years and currently reside in Tishomingo. They have three daughters: Kayla, Neely, and Cheyenne as well as one son, Colt.

Edmond Public Schools renewed employment contracts for all of the district’s top brass, only to turn around and tell many of them that their jobs are being eliminated.

The moves by first-year superintendent Josh Delich and the Edmond school board already have local taxpayers on the hook to cover nearly $90,000 in cash settlements with the first two administrators to be ousted, with arrangements for other affected employees still unresolved.

At least 10 district officials have reportedly been notified their positions have been or will soon be eliminated, and of those, five have been selected for newly created positions in Delich’s reorganized administration.

EPS has not fulfilled a public records request for email discussions between Delich and the school board, but in an interview, Delich acknowledged that talks of the matter began as early as January.

With notifications coming so late in the spring semester – 1-3 months after administrators had their contracts renewed for 202627 on March 2 – some of those affected have been forced into retirement or to find new jobs elsewhere for significantly less pay. Others are in limbo after being told they will be cut at an unspecified date in the fall after critical job duties are completed.

“I’ve worked in Edmond for 25 years of my 30-year career and we have never treated people this way,” said Cara Jernigan, whose last day as executive director of elementary education was June 30. “I have never been reprimanded informally or formally; I’ve never had a bad evaluation. I’ve watched people who made mistakes and had to be let go be treated with more dignity and respect than this.”

At a special meeting on June 24, the school board approved separation agreements with Jernigan and Mark Andrus, district residency and truancy officer. That Wednesday evening meeting during summer break was the first public signal that a shake-up was underway at the state’s fourth-largest school district.

Jernigan agreed to resign on July 1 in exchange for health insurance for July and a lumpsum payment of nearly $54,000, which she said won’t even cover the difference between her salary at Edmond and her new job as a school principal in another district.

“It was hard to decide to do a separation agreement and not just walk away because I knew it would impact our schools and our community, and that’s unfortunate,” said Jernigan, who was handed notice her job was being eliminated by Delich on April 2. “I do not feel it was handled appropriately. I know organizational change happens, and I don’t deny it may be needed. But I had a contract and I thought I had a job. Had you told me this was the plan in the fall or winter, there were (openings for) superintendent, assistant superintendent, my same position at other districts. I could have applied for those jobs.”

She said she was willing to answer questions about what’s happening at Edmond because some former colleagues, whose exit terms haven’t been finalized, may not be in a position to speak out just yet.

“People are scared now,” Jernigan said. “They’re asking, ‘Does my contract not mean anything?’ That’s what makes me sad for this community.”

Andrus’settlement will pay him more than $35,000, plus health insurance, for July and August in exchange for his resigning on June 30, despite his new employment contract, which was to run through June 2027. The vast majority of the settlement, $25,119, is approximately what Andrus could have received in state retirement payments this summer had he been told his job was being eliminated in time for him to apply for retirement earlier. The remainder is for his unused sick leave.

Andrus explained that he felt he had to seek a cash settlement to make up for what will be a months-long interruption in pay.

“I signed a contract in March,” said Andrus, when contacted by Oklahoma Watch.

Andrus worked 31 of his 42 years in education as an administrator at EPS.

“I met with them in May and that’s when I found out my position was eliminated,” he said. “We made the decision in my best interest, where I am right now in my career, is to go ahead and retire. I would just like to have known earlier. If I would have known, I would rather have gone out on my own.”

Asked why EPS obligated itself with new administrator employment contracts with a reorganization already in the works, Delich said there is no perfect timing for such things.

“Continually delaying that piece can be impactful, so that’s kind of where we landed in terms of approving and moving forward on that,” he said. “Like most districts, you would not put the cart before the horse in that context because we weren’t there yet.”

Doug Mann, an attorney who has represented several Edmond administrators affected by this reorganization, previously helped superintendents and school boards with staff reductions and reorganizations in five decades of legal work for scores of Oklahoma school districts.

He said it was improper that written notices to employees in April and May did not advise them of their right to request a due process hearing before the school board, nor did they specify their last date of employment. And he said he thinks such late notices needlessly turned employees’ lives upside down and made it nearly impossible for them to find new jobs.

“These actions by the superintendent came without any compliance with state and federal due process requirements, in complete breach of these employees’ 26-27 employment contracts and without any action by the Edmond board,” Mann said. “In my opinion, this was shameful conduct towards professional educators. Further, it is absolutely inexplicable why the superintendent had the board enter into lawfully enforceable employment contracts with these administrators for 2026-27 when he knew that he planned to eliminate many of their jobs for some or all of 2026-27.”

A different attorney who advises school boards across the state said it would be ideal if superintendents notified administrators of reorganizations earlier, but state law gives school districts considerable flexibility regarding this employee category.

Oklahoma State School Boards Association General Counsel Julie Miller spoke on the matter in general terms, not specific to Edmond.

“It does take people off guard sometimes,” Miller said. “They do have to make changes when someone comes on board because they identify new priorities. The structure has to move to make that be able to be implemented. In Oklahoma, our administrators have the lowest level of due process compared to other categories (of school employees).”

Cara Jernigan, whose last day as executive director of elementary education at Edmond Public Schools was June 30, 2026.

But that doesn’t mean affected administrators have zero due process rights under Oklahoma law.

“They get a letter from the superintendent identifying their position will be eliminated,” Miller said. “They would have 10 days from the date of notification to request a due process hearing. This would be the same kind of due process hearing as a teacher would receive, but instead of citing cause, they just have to have a reason. Then the employee can respond to that reason, about why their position is necessary and important. It would be up to board to go along with the superintendent’s plan to reclassify employees. It is very rare that the board tries to interject.”

As for the school board’s oversight role, Miller said school boards are under no obligation to vote to eliminate job positions or to create new positions unless “anyone is getting a pay increase.”

“The board just votes to hire or not hire and at what rate of pay,” she said.

Apples to Apples

Delich said the aims of his reorganization are to enhance support for schools, strengthen K-12 alignment in the district, and improve “interdepartmental teaming.”

Asked how he would explain to taxpayers the need to pay out district funds for cash settlements with administrators, Delich said: “It happens when people leave organizations, depending on, you know, if you looked at varied contracts with people. You know, vacation time is paid out. And also, when going through reorganization or structure, it’s very consistent with what districts across the country will do as they’re going through this work.”

But Edmond’s handling stands in stark contrast to how Tulsa Public Schools just handled an administrative reduction-in-force and reorganization on a much larger scale.

In July 2025, the first month of Fiscal Year 2026, TPS sent emails districtwide to warn employees that a review of areas of duplication and gaps in services could lead to changes in central office staffing levels. In mid-February, 50 affected employees were notifi ed at in-person meetings and in formal letters that their positions were being eliminated, along with about 40 other vacancies.

Superintendent Ebony Johnson penned a two-page letter informing affected employees that she would recommend non-renewal of their employment, effective July 1, explaining their due process rights in detail, the reasons for her “incredibly difficult decision,” and encouraging them to apply for vacancies or avail themselves of district resources for employee assistance.

“Please know I am deeply grateful for your contributions to the students at Tulsa Public Schools,” stated Johnson’s February letter, which was obtained through a public records request. “These decisions were not made lightly. The reason for this potential action is the anticipated shortfall in the district’s budget and the need to redirect district resources, not the quality of your job performance or your value to Team Tulsa. We are grateful for your service to our students, teachers, and families. We understand that this is difficult news, and I want to assure you that our Talent Management team and I are here to support you as you plan for the coming year.”

Mark Andrus, now former district residency and truancy officer at Edmond Public Schools.

The effort to save the Tulsa district about $3.8 million was no secret, as Johnson simultaneously announced the administrative eliminations in an email to all district personnel and a memo to the school board, which were then confirmed to local media outlets. A month later, the Tulsa school board held a special meeting at which it voted to eliminate the 90 administrative positions and create about a dozen new positions, and conducted a due process hearing for the lone administrator who requested one.

While their eliminations came with no warning, multiple Edmond administrators interviewed for this story said, in hindsight, there had been signs of upset at the very top of Edmond Public Schools’ organizational chart as far back as November.

“There were a couple board meetings in the fall and I think in February where there were raised voices coming from executive session, but none of us ever knew what that was about,” Jernigan said, referring to herself and other cabinet members who routinely had to wait to be called into the closed-door sessions for specific matters.

One-year contract extensions for the superintendent are routinely approved by the Edmond school board each January, but Delich hasn’t received an extension this year.

Asked whether he would expect to be compensated by EPS if he leaves before his contract expires in June 2028, Delich responded: “I think I would work through the scenario based on my situation. I know what you’re suggesting is having a hard and fast rule on separations; it all depends on the context of the separation with that employee and the organization.”

Edmond School Board President Jamie Underwood declined to answer questions about why she voted to approve contract renewals ahead of a reorganization and what she would say to local taxpayers about having to foot the bill for related settlement agreements.

“Change is sometimes necessary to move the district forward,” she said. “I am excited for the progress that I anticipate these changes will bring.”

Board Vice President Cynthia Benson did not respond to requests for comment.

A storm system last Tuesday, June 23 dumped nearly four inches of rain in a span of just several hours, forcing several water rescues from stranded motorists and flooding in the low-lying areas of the community.

There were no reports of injuries related to the slowing moving system.

All total, Sulphur has received 22.94 inches of rain since the first of year, with 5.23 inches coming in the last 10 days.

Last year, the area received about 45 inches of rain.

Going forward, heat will be the primary concern through this week with afternoon highs in the 90’s along with humidity that will make it feel even hotter, according to the National Weather Service.

Fifty-years ago, a local 19 year-old Sulphur girl embarked on a journey of a lifetime.

In February, 1976, as a member of the “Oklahoma Prairie Schooner,” Cindy Burnside represented Sulphur as a good will Bicentennial Ambassador when she joined the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage.

Riding horseback, Burnside joined the group as they crossed the Red River near Randlett in Cotton County. She told her story along the more than 3,000 mile trek to Valley Forge, PA.

Sulphur Woman

Burnside was one of a few women on the journey with the wagon train. She carried community scrolls of re-dedication that were microfi lmed and enshrined in the Park at Valley Forge.

The nearly six-month-long journey ended on July 4, 1976 in Valley Forge, PA in time for the nation’s Bicentennial celebration.

During her travels, Burnside collected articles of her journey and along with memorabilia, composed a scrap book, shown in the accompanying photos.

Burnside said during the duration of the ride, she rode 17 different horses.

Burnside will be attending a reunion of her traveling group on July 3, 4 and 5 in Heber Springs, Arkansas.

She said she was very grateful for the opportunity and could not have done it without the support of the Sulphur community, and appreciates everyone for allowing her a great life-changing memory.

Burnside is the a 1975 graduate of Sulphur High School and the daughter of the late Bunny and Gertrude Burnside, a prominent local ranching couple.

With the theme, “Proud to Be American,” we celebrate the spirit of patriotism, service and dedication that has helped shape America for two and a half centuries.

Launched in 2016 for kids of all ages to stay active in the summer, the Sulphur Running Club is off to a fast start.

Club members have been pictured running down the trails of Chickasaw National Recreation Area during the morning and they will continue until the end of summer, group leaders said.

Head Sulphur High School cross country coach Emile Heitland began the club to help kids in all sports and ages stay active and keep fit.

Also assisting with the club is Kari Seitz, head Sulphur girl’s cross country coach.

“The Summer Running Club is a great way for kids of all ages— and athletes from any sport—to stay active and in shape during the summer,” said Seitz. “Over the years, we’ve had everyone from elementary students to college athletes participate, as well as students from neighboring schools.”

Seitz said while many in the club are cross country runners, they’ve also had football players, cheerleaders, and others who simply wanted to improve their fitness.

Seitz said the club has continued to grow each summer. She said cross country training for high school and junior high students will start around the middle of July in preparation for an August start to the season.

The two-day event kicked off last Friday at 7:00 p.m. and ended on Saturday.

“We had a great weekend of rodeo in Sulphur, despite the heavy storms that moved through Friday morning,” said Hereford Heaven Stampede and Rodeo volunteer, Kari Seitz . “The Ward Rodeo Company always puts on an excellent show, drawing a strong crowd and attracting many local competitors each year. It’s always a great family-friendly event and a highlight for the community.”

Seitz thanked the event sponsors and members who make the rodeo a success year-after-year, and to Billy Cook Saddles for sponsoring the queen saddle each year.

Chloe Drawbaugh was crowned Hereford Heaven Rodeo queen, and Jenna Walthers was crowned the rodeo princess.

PHOTO BY BLAKE SEALE

PHOTO BY BLAKE SEALE

The Sulphur Bandits 8 and under little league baseball team (top photo) and their counterparts in the 10 and under division, the Sulphur Dogs (bottom photo), are each headed to the state tournament this week after excellent performances in the regional tournaments. The Bandits, coached by Haden Heldermon, Jamie Williamson, Tyler McGrew, and Austin Fick, will be headed to Clinton this Thursday to start play in their tournament. The 10 and under Sulphur Dogs, will trek to Sallisaw beginning on Tuesday to begin play in their state meet. They are coached by Ryan Whatley, Chase Bradsteet, Josh Billings, and Heath Gilbert. The Bandits made it to the regional finals at Stroud last week, but lost out in the title game, but still earned a ticket to the 16-team state meet. The Sulphur Dogs, meanwhile, won the Region 4 championship in a 11-1 blowout over the Blanchard Bison and will be gunning for the big prize when state play begins in Sallisaw. Both teams compete in the Oklahoma Kids Baseball Association league. Sulphur Bandits pictured in top photo are, from left, front row, Lake Heldermon, Cooper McGrew, Lincoln Williamson, Ryatt Phillips, Hunter Graves, Jackson Kreamer, and SterlingThomas; back row, Greyson Heldermon, Carter Williamson, Riot Samford, SlaterThomas, Dekker Anderson, and Liam Fick; back row, coaches Haden Heldermon, Jamie Williamson, Tyler McGrew, and Austin Fick. Sulphur Dogs pictured in lower photo are, from left, front row, Jacob Drawbaugh, Creet Bradstreet, Jack Conley, Kyler Powers, Weston Wood, Rance Gilbert, Casten Cole, JC Dennis, and Owen Billings; back row, Coach Ryan Whatley, Coach Chase Bradstreet, ZaneWilkins, ReidWhatley, Coach Josh Billings and Coach Heath Gilbert . 8U Tournament Teams Teams making the state finals in the 8U tournament include: BLUE BRACKET - Altus Diamond Dawgs, Kingfisher Cubs, Poteau OK Lookout, Sulphur Bandits, Perry Pistols, Laverne Tigers, Weatherford Black, and Stigler Indians. RED BRACKET - FletcherWildcats, PaulsValley Rockets, VianWolverines, Altus Athletics, Sallisaw 9Trails, Blanchard Bandits, Chickasha Cardinals and Clinton Blundell. 10U Tournament Teams Teams making the state finals in the 10U tournament include: BLUE BRACKET - Thomas Terriers, Blanchard Bison, Poteau Crew,Woodward Rangers, Anadarko Purple, Perkins Prime, Byng Braves, and Sallisaw Cubs. RED BRACKET - Navajo Indians, Perry Pistols, Ada Pontotoc Cyclones, Wynnewood Savages, Sallisaw Cardinals, and Kingfisher Spikes.

One of Sulphur’s oldest traditions will go off here on Friday and continue on Saturday when the Hereford Heaven Stampede and Rodeo takes place for the 79th consecutive time.

The rodeo began in post-war Sulphur in 1947 and has been held annually ever since during the summer months. The site of the first Hereford Heaven Stampede was at the Sulphur High School football field, now their practice facility. A new facility, named the Civic Center Arena, was built a few years later at the site of the school’s current baseball field. The Stampede now has a permanent home, the Hereford Heaven Arena, adjacent to the Murray County Expo Center.

This year’s event will offer nightly performances on June 19 and June 20 beginning at 7:00 with the mutton bustin’ event for kids six and under.

Other events will follow, including: bull riding, junior bulls, women’s barrel racing, junior barrel racing, peewee barrel racing, ranch saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, team roping, women’s breakaway and calf roping.

Advance tickets may be purchased from rodeo queen contestants at reduced prices or at the gate. Advance tickets are $8 for adults over 12, and $4.00 for children 12 and under. Kids under six years of age are admitted free. Tickets at the gate are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids 12 and under.

The June 8 distribution of sales tax collections primarily represents local tax receipts from April business activity.According to the Oklahoma Tax Commission, businesses remitting more than $2,500 per month in sales taxes file electronically, with the latest distribution reflecting sales from April 16-30 and estimated sales from May 1-15.

Statewide, Oklahoma cities and towns received $209.3 million in sales tax collections, an increase of more than $8.3 million compared to the $201 million distributed in June 2025. Cities and towns also received $41.4 million in use tax distributions. Counties shared in nearly $38 million in sales tax collections and $8.4 million in use tax distributions.

Locally, Sulphur received $319,081.77 in sales tax revenue, up from $296,823.86 during the same period last year. The increase of $22,257.91 represents a gain of approximately 7.5 percent.

Murray County also reported growth, receiving $378,230.85 in sales tax returns compared to $365,650.75 a year ago. The county’s increase totaled $12,580.10, or roughly 3.4 percent.

The City of Davis received $99,423.81 in sales tax revenue, slightly below the $100,394.06 distributed in June 2025. The decline amounted to $970.25, less than a one-percent decrease.

Dougherty recorded one of the largest percentage increases among local entities, receiving $628.57 compared to $297.52 a year earlier. While the dollar amount remains relatively small, the increase represented more than double last year’s distribution.

Use tax collections showed mixed results for local communities. Sulphur received $31,547.55 in use tax revenue, up from $27,123.78 during the same reporting period in 2025, an increase of approximately 16.3 percent.

Davis received $14,899.69 in use tax collections, down from $18,194.89 a year ago, a decrease of about 18.1 percent.

Sales tax distributions are often viewed as an indicator of local retail activity and consumer spending. The latest figures suggest continued economic growth in Sulphur and Murray County, while Davis remained relatively stable despite a slight decline in both sales and use tax returns.

Pictured in above photos are: (top left) Jax Jackson, blasting a ball out of the park and into nearby Rock Creek; (above middle) Lucas Mitchell firing off a pitch from the mound; and (above right) Traber Sartors slamming a pitch in that game.

Pictured in below photos are the Sulphur Lady Bulldogs getting into summer softball play in a recent game. They include: (lower left) Cheyenne Ruth making solid contact with this pitch; (lower middle) Braylee Lewis swinging through this pitch; and (lower right) Zoli May firing a throw for a put out.

The tournament, named after current Chicago Bulls player Matas Buzelis, was held at the NBA School in Vilnius and featured some of the top youth basketball programs from across Northern Europe. Team Cadeau USA finished with an impressive 4-1 record and captured the Silver Bracket Championship, with its only loss coming by a narrow margin to the eventual tournament champion.

Mathis, a member of the Class of 2033, competed in the U13 division. He is a student at Veritas Christian School in Sulphur.

Because European youth basketball is organized by calendar year rather than school grade classifications used in the United States, Mathis was one of the younger and smaller players on the court.

The tournament provided a unique challenge, as European basketball is known for its physical style of play. Games were conducted under rules similar to Spain’s Liga ACB, one of Europe’s premier professional leagues. Following a whistle, players could immediately retrieve the ball and inbound without waiting for an official to administer play, creating a fastpaced environment with fewer interruptions.

In addition, games consisted of six seven-minute quarters, and players were required to remain on the court for an entire quarter. No substitutions were allowed until the sixth quarter, the format demanded a high level of conditioning, toughness, and endurance.

Mathis joined seven teammates from New Jersey and fellow Oklahoman Chris Brown Jr. of Edmond. Brown is the son of Byng High School alumnus and recent Hall of Fame inductee Chris Brown.

Throughout the tournament, Team Cadeau USA competed against some of the strongest youth programs in Northern Europe while gaining valuable international experience and exposure to a different style of basketball.

Official tournament statistics for Mathis and Brown were recorded throughout the event, although tournament organizers often stopped tracking statistics once games reached certain scoring margins, meaning the posted numbers may not fully reflect player contributions.

For Mathis, the experience provided an opportunity to compete against elite international competition while proudly representing both Oklahoma and the United States on a global stage.

“After much thought and prayer, it is time to transition to the next generation of capable Chickasaw leaders,” Gov. Anoatubby said. “Serving the Chickasaw people has been one of the greatest honors and privileges of my life. I am deeply grateful for the trust and support our citizens have placed in our administration as we worked to strengthen opportunities and enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people. Together, we have accomplished much. Those achievements happened through the dedication of our citizens and the valued partnerships we have built with local businesses, and with state, federal and fellow tribal governments.”

Gov. Anoatubby began his career at the Chickasaw Nation in 1975 as health services director and quickly advanced. In 1979, he was elected as the first Lt. Gov. of the Chickasaw Nation and was elected to his first term as Gov. in 1987.

When Gov. Anoatubby first took office, the Chickasaw Nation’s programs and services were largely dependent on funding from the federal government. Through careful investments and planning, his administration charted a course to financial independence, through which the Chickasaw Nation could utilize return on investments to support tribal education, housing, jobs, healthcare, culture, elder care, and other programs and services.

In a career marked by growth and progress, the Chickasaw Nation has thrived throughout Gov. Anoatubby’s leadership, growing from approximately 250 employees and an $11 million operating budget in 1987 to nearly 15,000 employees and a national economic impact that exceeds $8 billion.

Through careful and diverse investments made early in his administration, the Chickasaw Nation now operates more than 100 businesses in the fields of manufacturing, energy, healthcare, media, technology, hospitality, retail and more. These business revenues now provide the majority of funding for nearly 400 programs and services.

Afocus on expanding services and accessibility for the Chickasaw people, tenacity coupled with temperance, along with an open ear and a proclivity for collaboration are key components of Gov. Anoatubby’s leadership style and legacy.

He has received numerous awards and honors across the state and nation.

Gov. Anoatubby will retire after serving an unprecedented 10 terms.

Gov. Anoatubby’s resignation will be effective June 26, 2026, at noon, at which time the Lt. Gov. of the Chickasaw Nation will take his oath of office as Gov., in accordance withArticle XV, Section 1 of the Chickasaw Constitution. Gov. Anoatubby expressed confidence in the ability of Lt. Gov. Chris Anoatubby and the tribe’s leadership team to guide the Chickasaw Nation to further success, citing Lt. Gov. Anoatubby’s leadership over the COVID-19 response team during the pandemic and expansion of the tribe’s criminal justice infrastructure following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2020 ruling in McGirt v. Oklahoma and the ensuing ruling in 2021 by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals.

Lt. Gov.Anoatubby has served the Chickasaw Nation for nearly 30 years.

A graduate of Byng High School in 1990, Lt. Gov.Anoatubby pursued a degree in pharmacy from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, which he earned in 1997. He also holds a master’s degree in business administration from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

He began his career with the tribe in 1997 and has served as Chief Pharmacist, Sovereign Medical Solutions Chief Medical Solutions Officer and President, under secretary of the department of commerce and deputy secretary of the department of health.

He was elected to his first term as Lt. Gov. in 2019 and was reelected in 2023.

Lt. Gov.Anoatubby has served on multiple boards during his career, including as Chairman of the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce, and adjunct faculty at Southwestern Oklahoma State University College of Pharmacy and the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy.

He was honored as Outstanding Young Pharmacist of the Year by the Oklahoma City Indian Health Service in 2007, was in Class IX of The Journal Record’s Achievers Under 40 in 2012, received the 2023 Distinguished Alumni award from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and was inducted into the Oklahoma City University Oklahoma Commerce and Industry Hall of Honor in 2024.

In many of the institutions and programs he guided, he led the way in instituting cutting-edge technological solutions, simplifying service access and diversifi cation. Gov. Anoatubby said he believes Lt. Gov.Anoatubby and the Chickasaw Nation’s leadership team are capable, and he anticipates a smooth transition with a commitment to the tribe’s vision and core values.

“The leadership of our tribe is strong and extensive, and I look forward to celebrating the many milestones achieved by the Chickasaw Nation in years to come,” he said.

After approval, the two were administered the Oath of Office by City Attorney Thomas Marcum.

An agenda item to approve a Resolution calling for a Special Election on August 26, 2026 received no action at the request of City Manager Andy Freeman.

Members approved the consent agenda which included Amendments to the City of Sulphur 2025-26 budget and also the Sulphur Municipal Authority 2025-26 budget.

The City of Sulphur budget amendment was to transfer funds from the Code Enforcement Salary budget to the city attorney budget. This is the second time in just a few months that the city attorney budget has had to be supplemented from other departments. Recently, the council approved a $20,000.00 transfer from the police and fire budgets to pay the attorney and now an additional $6,000.00 has been approved taking the total attorney budget so far this year to more than $74,000.00, according to the city financial report.

The amendment request for the SMA was to transfer $55,000.00 from the water/sewer CD and sewer salaries to administration, public works and clerks-professional services.

Following city manager correspondence and updates, treasurer’s report and Sulphur Recovery updates, the members recessed into a public hearing.

The public hearing was set to discuss the re-zoning request by Bravo Ridge Development Group, LLC to rezone Lots 7 and 8 in Block 143 on the city of Sulphur.

A previous hearing was held last Wednesday evening at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting where the members had a split, 2-2 vote to recommend the rezoning request to the council for final approval.

The request was made to allow the building of two-two story triplexes to be built on the property.

After hearing from several concerned citizens who live or own property in the area, council members returned to the regular meeting and unanimously voted to reject the request for rezoning.

Members approved Task Order #6 for Parkhill Engineering to engineer drainage improvements on West 9th and Muskogee Streets on the west side of the Sulphur High School.

The contract with RFD Construction for the fire department substation that was destroyed in the 2024 tornado was approved with a few amendments added. Change Order #1 on the project to add a full height brick to one of the end walls and change the roof color to charcoal gray on the building in the amount of $20,173.00 was also approved.

Three agenda items pertaining to the airport received no action at the meeting. The no action items were for a request to transfer funds from general fund to the airport fund and two payments to KSA Engineering for engineering fees on the airport crack and seal project in the amounts of $8,704.30 and $2,029.50.

The bid on a drainage box replacement project on Muskogee Street between West 15th and West 16th was approved in the amount of $381,581.95. The successful bidder was Treas Construction from Coalgate.

Payment #2 for the street paving project to Pavers, Inc. was approved in the amount of $348,388.75 .

Several annual contracts for 2026-2027 fiscal year were approved by the members including: employee medical insurance at $782.63 per month, up approximately $70.00 from last year; employee dental/ vision/life insurance with a slight increase from last year; worker’s compensation insurance with escrow funds applied toward payment; and property, liability and auto insurance.

An agreement with the Sulphur Firefighters Association and the city of Sulphur for Fiscal year 2026-27 was approved.

An emergency repair request on Water Well #9 to replace the electrical box was approved in an amount not to exceed $7,500.00. The repair will be made by Ramsey Ward Electric of Ardmore.

Discussion of the OWRB/Chickasaw Nation project water well transmission mains was again discussed with no action taken. The council approved the installation agreement between SMA and the Murray County Commissioners for use of the county easement on Koller Road for the line installation.

Members took no action on a grazing lease request as well as fencing of the 10 acres being purchased by the city from Corey Stevens where the water well has been drilled. The land purchase has not been completed, however members did approve payment to Sulphur Abstract company for the water well land purchase and closing costs in the amount of $405,445.00.

Approval was made on the purchase of a new backhoe for the water department in the amount of $136,700.00.

No action was taken on a bid for a TCM Module for a 2022 Freightliner M2 since no bids were received.

Payment of $812.50 was approved to Del Sol Consulting for storm debris removal for April.

In final agenda action, the board approved transferring $148,543.92 of ARPA Funds from the Sulphur Municipal Authority Fund to the 1/6 water/sewer fund for reimbursement of prepaid engineering fees on the recent ARAP project to replace a portion of the lead line on Wynnewood Street.

After a short executive session to discuss the employment contract of Andy Freeman, members returned to regular session and approved the same as last year’s contract with a variance to live outside city limits plus same cost of living raise as others employees for the next fiscal year.

In updates, Freeman reminded members of the 2026-2027 Budget Hearing scheduled for next Monday (June 16).

Freeman also told members a meeting will be held this Friday at 2:00 p.m. for property owners in Block 176 in the City of Sulphur. The block is located south of Muskogee Street between West 2nd and 3rd Streets and north of Broadway. It is the block that was completely destroyed in the tornado. Plans are to get the property completely leveled and cleared.

Other ongoing projects were also updated by Freeman. In the consent agenda, the board approved the following:

•payment not exceed $900.00 to FirstNet for cell phone service;

•payment not to exceed $25,000.00 to Finish Line for June fuel expenses;

•payment of $200.00 to Roy Woodall for interpreting services;

•payments of $165.86, $248.50, $179.24 and $291.40 to Sulphur Times Democrat for bid notices;

•payments of $58.76 and $59.60 to Sulphur Times Democrat for public hearing notices;

•payment of $2,500.00 to Tom Marcum for attorney retainer;

•payments of $125.84 and $367.50 to Murray County Insurance for public employee bonds;

•payment of $14.72 to Language Line Services Inc. for interpreting;

•payments of $1,441.38 and $969.32 to Holt Truck Centers for 2013 International truck repairs; and

•payment of $522.10 to Premiere Truck Group for diagnostic on truck #24.

All council members were present at the meeting.

A number of boys in grades one through six participated in the camp, conducted by Sulphur High boy’s coach, Grant Bates.

The calendar says early June, but the Sulphur Bulldogs are off and running as they prepare for the 2026 football season.

This week, head Sulphur coach, Corey Cole, gave his preliminary assessment of the Spring football practices and their team camp held at Durant High School in late May.

“Spring football was very competitive and a great learning tool for the 2026 Bulldogs,” Cole said this week just a few months away from his first game.

The Dogs went through eight practice sessions in May, then loaded up for their annual team camp at Durant to complete their Spring Ball format.

Cole welcomed a lot of new faces this spring, all receiving valuable reps along with what he said was a “great core of returning players.” He said a total of 68 players participated in spring workouts as they spent time working on fundamentals and the core essentials for success throughout their Spring sessions.

“From spring practice number one through spring practice number eight, I felt that we were getting more and more consistent with what we were trying to accomplish,” he said. “We really worked hard on establishing the line of scrimmage both offensively and defensively. We had great competition in our 7-on-7 passing game periods where we were able to get very valuable looks for our passing game and secondary.”

Spring is a special time for the team, he said. “Spring Ball is something we love because its really the first time our 2026 guys get to practice and interact with each other in our football program, it’s nice getting those opportunities now and not having to wait until August. Really proud of our effort and attitude during spring football - lots of things we need to improve on but we got better everyday.”

The team camp was held May 29 as Sulphur, Durant, and Idabel joined for what Cole said was a great day of practice.

“I was really, really pleased with our physicality both offensively and defensively,” he said. “I thought our offensive linemen had a great camp as our running game was really good for the camp.

“Having four guys back on the offensive line and two more guys that played a lot up front is going to be big for us. Our running backs played outstanding and our H-backs had a great day as well. Our passing game was good at times and is the one area that we will continually work on throughout the summer, we have the pieces in the passing game, we just need a little time to continue to develop.

“Defensively, we were really good against the run and had lots of guys in new positions that got better throughout the camp. We have a chance to be extremely fast and physical on defense in 2026.

“We got tons of reps, stayed healthy, and played physical football - that checked every box we wanted for team camp.”

With Spring Ball behind them, the Dogs will now go into their summer grind routine in June on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. They will meet on those nights from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the weightroom, working on football activities and speed and agility training.

“The summer grind has been a huge element in the success of Sulphur football,” said Cole.

Cole is beginning his fourth year as head Sulphur coach after serving one year as interim head coach in 2022 following the death of longtime Sulphur icon, Jim Dixon, who died not long after the Dog’s first game that season.

The Dogs will face a brutal non-district schedule to open the 2026 season, hosting powerhouses Washington and Davis on Sept. 4, and Sept. 11 respectively, then trekking across the Red River to face Gunter, Texas, on Sept. 18, a team with multiple state champion trophies.

Following that gauntlet, the team will settle into Class 3A-2 district play against traditional foes Madill on Sept. 25 (away), Seminole on Oct. 2 (homecoming), Idabel on Oct. 9 (away), Lone Grove on Oct. 15 (home), Kingston on Oct. 23 (away), Star Spencer on Oct. 30 (senior night), and Pauls Valley on Nov. 6 (away), rounding out the regular season schedule.