For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:12

LeFlore County commissioners meet Monday for a regular business meeting with Chairman Jamie Oliver presiding. Also present were Vice-Chair Vallard Campbell, Member Josh Blaylock and County Clerk Kelli Ford. 

The following action was taken by the board: 

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

(2.)            Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve the minutes of regular meeting held July 14, 2025.  Motion was approved, all voting yes. 

(3.)            Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve purchase orders as presented. Motion was approved, all voting yes. 

(4.)            Monthly Fee Reports: None presented. 

(5.)            Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve the following transfers of appropriations:

·        $2,000 from FDTAL-2R Lease/ Rental Account to FDTAL-2 Maintenance & Operations Account.

·        $20,000 from D2/T-3 Capital Outlay Account to D2/T-2 Maintenance & Operations Account.

Motion was approved, all voting yes. 

(6.)            Blanket Purchase Orders: None presented. 

(7.)            New Business: None discussed. 

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

(9.)            Burn Ban. Not needed at this time. No discussion. 

(10.)         Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve detention services agreement for fiscal year 2025- 2026 between CommunityWorks, LLC and LeFlore County regarding juvenile detention services at Cleveland County Regional Juvenile Detention Center (Couch Center). As part of the agreement, LeFlore County agrees to pay $49.50 per day, per child for any juvenile that is referred to detention. Motion was approved, all voting yes. 

(11.)         Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve detention services agreement for fiscal year 2025- 2026 between CommunityWorks, LLC and LeFlore County regarding juvenile detention services at Pottawatomie County Juvenile Detention Center (Carter Hall). As part of the agreement, LeFlore County agrees to pay $49.50 per day, per child for any juvenile that is referred to detention. Motion was approved, all voting yes. 

(12.)         Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve resolution regarding LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office Funding Assistance Grant application. Motion was approved, all voting yes. 

(13.)         Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve LATCF Annual Report as submitted by Wells, Wann & Company, CPA PC. Motion was approved, all voting yes. 

(14.)         Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve SLFRF Compliance Report as submitted by Wells, Wann & Company, CPA PC. Motion was approved, all voting yes. 

(15.)         Motion was made by Vallard Campbell and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve programming resolution for project number 26-CBRI-D1-RD-P107 related to improvements on Lock and Dam Road located in LeFlore County Commissioner District 1. Motion was approved, all voting yes. 

(16.)     Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve programming resolution for project number 26-CBRI-D3-RD-P083 related to improvements on Doc Winters Road located in LeFlore County Commissioner District 3. Motion was approved, all voting yes. 

(17.)     Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve programming resolution for project number 26-CBRI-D3-RD-P085 related to improvements on Yellow Springs Road located in LeFlore County Commissioner District 3. Motion was approved, all voting yes. 

(18.)     Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to approve programming resolution for project number 26-CBRI-D3-RD-P086, erroneously stated as 26-CBRI-D3-RD-P080, related to improvements on East Blagg Road located in LeFlore County Commissioner District 3. Motion was approved, all voting yes. 

(19.)     Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Vallard Campbell to approve bid notice and resolution advertising to accept sealed bids regarding the purchase of a portable fold and go rock screen to benefit LeFlore County Commissioner District 3. Motion was approved, all voting yes. 

(20.)     Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Josh Blaylock to table meeting with Bodie Bachelor for final approval of updated maps and boundary lines regarding the establishment of a new rural water district as submitted by Water Distributors Company, Inc. Motion was approved, all voting yes. 

(21.)     Motion was made by Jamie Oliver and seconded by Vallard Campbell to remove item from agenda. Motion was approved, all voting yes.

LeFlore County weather forecast for Tuesday is for clear skies and the hottest day of 2025 so far for the county and the area.

The high is forecast to be 98 degrees with a low of 73. A heat advisory is in effect from noon through 8 p.m. Heat index value of 106 is expected.

Sunrise was 6:21 a.m. Sunset is 8:28 p.m.

Monday’s high was 96 with a low of 7. No rain was recorded, leaving the monthly total at 4.06 inches, surpassing July’s average rainfall of 3.10 inches.

Average temperatures for July 22 are a high of 94 and low of 66. Records for the date were a high of 110 in 1974 and a low of 48 in 1970.

Last year on July 22, the high was 82 with a low of 69.

LeFlore County calendar of events for the next week. The calendar is a free service for our readers. If you are with a non-profit and want an event publicized, email [email protected].

Tuesday 

Poteau Evening Lions Club meet 6 p.m. CASC

Wednesday 

Ramona “Jean” Potts graveside service

Poteau Rotary Club meets noon EOMC

Thursday 

Poteau Kiwanis Club meets noon

Heavener VFW bingo 6:30 p.m. Highway 59 North 

Sunday

Celebration of life service for Joe Soriano III

Monday

LeFlore County commissioners meet 9 a.m.

 By TERRY JOE WILES

"Backslider's Wine," which features Randy Smith, Reggie Wells and yours truly, will put on the "Backslider's Wine World Reunion Tour 2025" at the Shady Point Community Center on Sunday. It's FREE to the public and will start at 2 p.m. after church, so all will be able to make it.

SUPPORT LOCAL, LIVE MUSIC

Joining us will be all the musicians that played in the country-dance band version that was popular for several years. Ricky Ward/guitar, Randy Fennell/Steel, Max Harris/bass, Burl Spears/bass, Dale Fraze Sr./drums, Norm Korf /drums, Dusty Klutts/drums and Wayne Campbell/drums continued the tradition of enlightenment and entertainment for the masses. It was fun. The music was a joy, and the friendship lives today. Hope to get to take pictures with you.

There will be chairs and water, bring that flavored water that you drink — or Red Bull, it gives you dancing feet!

Y'all all come!

• • •

Another band with local ties, "Southridge," will have a reunion at the Cactus Club out on Midland Boulevard in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on Saturday. The original band, Robert Wright/bass, Bubby Patterson/guitar, "Sebo" Alan Sebastion/piano and Terry Flynn/drums will be together for the first time in 20 years. The band will play from 9 p.m. until midnight. This is a great band with awesome talent and a one-night only chance to hear these guys. It will be a great night of live music!

• • •

"Hillbilly Vegas" started its "Feels Good Tour" this past Saturday. The band will have four dates this week at some of the biggest festivals and pubs (roadhouses) in England and Wales. The band will perform songs from the album, entitled "Feels Good," which will include the title song as a single and add a couple of songs to the set list for the shows. The band is HUGE in Great Britain with the fan-base growing every day. From pictures I've seen so far, the boys are relaxing over tea and crumpets and shepherd's pie. The band still shows a little bit of the real hillbilly style and personality that is so endearing to the masses. It will be a whirlwind tour with interviews, radio previews of the songs and six onstage shows. Way to go, guys.

Catch all their music on your favorite streaming platform.

• • •

The 2025 Poteau High School All-Class Reunion is fast approaching, and it's going to include live music as well as a Friday night Poteau Pirates football game.

The Pirate Room at the LeFlore County Museum at Hotel Lowrey will have food, friends and fun!

It all will happen on Aug. 29.

There will be a "Pirate Party" at the Shop Dog Brewery, located at 315 Dewey Avenue in downtown Poteau. Larry Taylor and "The Tribadours," Ronnie Bill Barber, "Poss," Mark Adams, Burl Spears, maybe Richard and Beth Peck and more will jam from 6 p.m until closing. There could be more possibly — Maybe Billy Hoffman?

Speaking of Billy Hoffman, "Sierra Bravo" will play on Aug. 30 for the Reunion Dance. Billy, Felisha McKenzie, Scot Francis and Dennis Dooley will keep the dance floor crowded with their mix of tunes — from country and rock. For more information, go to the alumni's Facebook Page.

Preregister is available with options. It's going to be a good time with long-time friends on this special night. Hope to see ya there.

• • •

In the "That's-What-Families-Do-Around-Here" department, I saw where Sandra Dismuke-Coyle, "Sean and The Asphalt Cowboys," who will be joined by brothers and even in-laws, will bring music to Sandra's mom. Great love was shown and a lot of cool tunes of country, gospel and praise for the Lord above. Her mom's in a nursing home, and all the other residents got for an afternoon of music. That's just what families do!

• • •

As for live music this week, "The Black Diamonds" will be jamming at The Coffee Cup on Friday. I love this band. "The Dead and The Famous" show will start at 7 p.m.

"The Tribadours" will BE the entertainment on Dewey Avenue this weekend. On Friday, the band will be at The Shop Dog Brewing Co. starting at 6 p.m. There's a great rustic look to the 315 Dewey Building, and it will be cool inside with cold craft beer and snacks available and the room sounds just awesome. It's where it's happening.

Then on Saturday, just across the street at 300 Dewey, "The Tribadours" will play at Warehouse Willy's. This will be a "Last-Saturday-of-the-Month" engagement, so mark your calendars. "The Tribadours" are a favorite here, so grab a bite and enjoy their music. Saturday's show will kick off at 6 p.m.

"Rhythm Coalition" will have a show across the line at J.J.'s Grill in Fort Smith. This band is entertaining as all get out, and will be playing country, red dirt, jazzy instrumentals, R&B and a little rock. The show will begin at 7 p m.

Crocky's Cafe in Hackett, Arkansas, will have "Uncle Fudge" on the outside stage. There will be great grub and awesome music, which will start at 6 p.m.

"Bourbon Rain" will have a show at Muldrow City Limits on Saturday. The crowd loves to dance to this band's songs. This is the busiest dance hall going now, but there's a big dance floor and lots of seats — so get there early. The music will start at 7 p.m.

Just a little west of my house, "Make It a Double", Connie and Dave

Abbott, will play at the McAlester Veterans of Foreign Wars Building on Saturday. The last Saturday of the month is a regular gig for them here. There will be awesome country songs and lots of dancin' going on. Be There! It all will begin at 7 p.m.

"Sierra Bravo" will play at La Heurta's Mexican Restaurant in Poteau on Saturday. This band will draw a crowd of fans — and family — to enjoy a meal and listen to the music. There will be food most all day. The music will begin at 7 p.m.

• • •

I can't miss this chance to say that my heart goes out to the family of Michael Davidson, the senior pastor at Faith Community Church of the Nazarene and a former LeFlore County Emergency Management director. He passed away on Saturday. He was a dear friend and spiritual advisor to me. Musically, I might add that, ahh, Michael sure could sing LOUD! All glory to Jesus.

R.I.P., Michael.

That is absolutely all I got to say. I am at a loss for words.

Thanks for supporting live music.

For additional information about any live-music events or to let me know about any such venues, call or text message me at (918) 649-5736, message me through Facebook or e-mail me at [email protected].

Joe Soriano III passed away July 16, 2025, in Tulsa at the age of 55. Born Oct. 7, 1969, in Austin, Texas, he was the son of the late Mary and Joe Soriano II.

He was a veteran of the United States Army.

A celebration of life is 1 p.m. Sunday at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau with a graveside service immediately after at Oakland Cemetery in Poteau, under the direction of Evans and Miller Funeral Home.

Surviving family members are his children: Guilliano Soriano of Huntington Beach, California, Angelo Soriano of Nixa, Missouri, Cruz Soriano and Alexis Soriano both of Bentonville, Arkansas; and one grandson, Emmett Soriano of Huntington Beach; the mother of two of his children, Cynthia Sixkiller of Bentonville; Sherlyn Parham, the love of his life and mother to two of his sons, Guilliano and Angelo. Though they never married, both always held a special place in each other’s hearts and often spoke of what might have been; and a sister, Linda McCroskey, of Tulsa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Diana (Ricky) Bull, Josie Moore, Andrea Soriano and Yvonne Soriano.

Visitation is Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Evans and Miller Funeral Home in Poteau.

You may leave an online message at www.evansandmillerfuneralhome.com.

Ramona "Jean" Potts, 92, of Shady Point passed away July 19, 2025, just nine days shy of her 93rd birthday.

A graveside service is 10 a.m. Wednesday at the United States National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas, with Brother Jim Cook, Dr. Eric Conchola, and Mr. Bill Potts officiating. Services are under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau.

She was born July 28, 1932, in Williams to Harve Leonard Anderson and Rose Bell (Shoup) Anderson.

Surviving family members are her husband, Willie Potts; her sons Gary Potts (Gina) and Joseph Potts (Rosie); grandchildren Gerianna England (Cliff), Gabrielle Conchola (Eric), Roxie Rodriguez (Danny), Elizabeth Reynero, Sara Jean Potts, and John Paul Reynero; and great-grandchildren Daniela Rodriguez, Chad England, and Colton England.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters and brothers-in-law, Emma and Larry Lawrence, Bonnie June and Garland Turano, Shirley Ann Autry; sister-in-law, Maxine Holshouser; and brothers-in-law, Bill Moore, Farris Wayne Potts, and James Edward Potts.

Online condolences may be left at www.evansandmillerfuneralhome.com.