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Daily Bible verse
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.
Isaiah 26:4
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Weather
LeFlore County weather forecast
Hot and humid weather continues across LeFlore County today and will persist right through the July 4th weekend, with a Heat Advisory in effect for parts of the region as heat index values climb.
Today, Thursday, July 2 — Sunny and hot. High near 95. Heat index values will run several degrees above the actual temperature — take precautions with outdoor activities and watch for signs of heat stress.
Friday, July 3 — Hot and humid, with a 35 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms developing, mainly in the afternoon and evening. High near 95. Any storms that form could bring brief heavy downpours and gusty winds, though widespread severe weather isn't expected.
News
Heavener City Council agenda
Heavener City Council will meet in a regular business meeting 6 p.m. Thursday at Heavener City Hall, 103 East Avenue B in Heavener.
AGENDA
1. Approval of Minutes from the Previous Meeting
2. City Manager's Report
3. Receive Department Head Reports from the Police Department, Fire Department, Street and Alley Department, and Parks (including Runestone Park and Blues Park).
4. Consider, Discuss, and Take Possible Action on Code Violations for TOBIAS, AUREA & MONREAL, ALONDRA T (M&D) at 204 W 2ND ST for rank weeds and grass.
5. Consider, Discuss, and Take Possible Action on Code Violations for STEP, SNYDER ANNA SCHNEIDER SHEIL & SCHNEIDER at 507 E AVENUE B for rank weeds and grass.
6. Consider, Discuss, and Take Possible Action on Code Violations BLAIR, MARC at 113 W 2ND ST for rank weeds and grass.
7. Consider, Discuss, and Take Possible Action on Code Violations MELLENCAMP, LEAH R at N\A for rank weeds and grass.
8. Consider, Discuss, and Take Possible Action on Code Violations R, MELLENCAMP LEAH & WILSON, SAM at N\A for rank weeds and grass.
9. Consider, Discuss, and Take Possible Action on Code Violations for NEELY, NORMAN CHARLES at 57 STRAWBERRY LN for rank weeds and grass.
10. Consider, Discuss, and Take Possible Action on Code Violations for MUMEY, LUZ A & STASNY, JEANNE A BI at W C AVE for rank weeds and grass.
11. Consider, Discuss, and Take Possible Action on Code Violations for YAZBECK, MONA & PATRICIA at 800 W 2ND ST for rank weeds and grass.
12. Consider, Discuss, and Take Possible Action on Code Violations for HARVELL, DOYLE at 705 W 2ND ST for rank weeds and grass.
13. Consider, Discuss, and Take Possible Action on Code Violations for KELM, PEARL at 206 FOWLER ST for rank weeds and grass.
14. Consider, Discuss, and Take Possible Action on Code Violations for DAVID K. BOSZOR at 705 W AVENUE H for rank weeds and grass.
15. Consider, Discuss, and Take Possible Action on Code Violations for LEWALLIN, CHARLES M at 525 W AVENUE C for rank weeds and grass.
16. Consider, Discuss, and Take Possible Action on Code Violations for LEWALLEN, CONNIE at 902 W AVENUE D for rank weeds and grass.
17. Consider, Discuss, and Take Possible Action on Code Violations for WILLIAMSON, CAROL & WILLIAMSON, MICHAEL at 404 W AVENUE H for rank weeds and grass.
18. Consider, Discuss, and Take Possible Action on Code Violations for THORNBURG, ASPEN at 0 HWY 59 N for rank weeds and grass.
19. Consider, Discuss, and Take Possible Action on Code Violations for AYC COMPANIES LLC at 704 HIGHWAY 59 N for rank weeds and grass.
20. Consider, Discuss, and Take Possible Action on Code Violations for VICTOR M. RODRIGUEZ at 0 HIGHWAY 59 for rank weeds and grass.
21. Consider, Discuss, and Take Possible Action on Code Violations for RICHEY, APRIL D at 1002 CORONET CIR for rank weeds and grass.
22. Consider, Discuss, and Take Possible Action on Code Violations for MARTINEZ, FLAVIO C., MARTINEZ, JUANA, & HUNT, ANTHONY J. at 203 DIVISION ST for rank weeds and grass.
23. Consider, Discuss, and Take Possible Action on Code Violations for HUBBARD, LOIS at 506 W AVENUE D for rank weeds and grass.
24. Consider, Discuss, and Take Possible Action on Code Violations for CRASE 2014 TRUST at 312 DAILY ST for rank weeds and grass.
25. Trustees' / Chairman's Report
26. New Business / Public Comments
EXECUTIVE SESSION
27. Consider, discuss, and take possible action regarding entering into Executive Session pursuant to 25 O.S. § 307(B)(4) for confidential communications between the City Council and City Manager concerning ownership claims, title issues, leasehold interests, and other legal matters affecting certain real property located within the City of Heavener, where disclosure would seriously impair the ability of the City to process the claim or conduct pending or potential litigation in the public interest.
28. Consider, discuss, and take possible action regarding entering into Executive Session pursuant to 25 O.S. § 307(B)(4) for confidential communications between the City Council and City Manager regarding negotiations and contractual matters involving Oklahoma Tourism and Friends of Heavener Runestone.
29. Enter Executive Session with City Council and City Manager for confidential communications, as authorized by 25 O.S. Sect. 307(B) concerning ownership claims, title issues, leasehold interests, and other legal matters affecting certain real property located within the City of Heavener, where disclosure would seriously impair the ability of the City to process the claim or conduct pending or potential litigation in the public interest.
30. Enter Executive Session with City Council and City Manager for confidential communications, as authorized by 25 O.S. Sect. 307(B) concerning negotiations and contractual matters involving Oklahoma Tourism and Friends of Heavener Runestone.
31. Reconvene in open session.
Mayor's statement regarding executive session, announcing that the executive session was conducted in compliance with the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act, 25 O.S. § 307, and that only those matters listed on the executive session agenda and no other matters were discussed.
32. Adjourn
PUBLIC COMMENT NOTICE
Citizens wishing to address the Commission must sign in prior to the meeting with their name and the agenda item they wish to discuss. Speakers are recognized by the Chairman in sign-in order and are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.
Persons with disabilities requiring special accommodations should contact the City Clerk prior to the meeting.
Celebrate Safely This Fourth of July
Independence Day is a time for celebration, but fireworks can quickly turn fun into danger if not handled properly. Every year, thousands of people — many of them children — are injured by fireworks. Let’s keep this Independence Day safe for everyone.
🎆 Fireworks Safety Tips:
Follow local laws – Use only legal fireworks and obey burn bans or restrictions.
Keep your distance – Light fireworks outdoors in a clear, open area away from homes, dry grass, and flammable materials.
Supervise children closely – Even sparklers burn at temperatures of 1,200°F.
Light one at a time – Then back up quickly. Never try to relight a “dud.”
Protect yourself – Wear eye protection and keep a bucket of water or hose nearby.
Dispose safely – Soak used fireworks in water before discarding.
🎇 Consider the Alternatives:
Attend a professional fireworks show for the safest (and often most spectacular) experience.
Sports
Wister Lake fishing report
Wister Lake fishing report for this week.
Wister: Jun 26. Elevation is 2 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 89°F and stained. (USACE Current Lake Level) Largemouth bass good on crankbaits and jigs around brush structure, main lake, and river channel. Blue catfish fair on cut bait and shad around main lake and river channel. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure. Report submitted by James Williams, game warden stationed in Le Flore County.
See the Oklahoma fishing report
Hall About Sports for 7-2-2026
By Craig Hall
Good morning, sports fans!
We are officially flying through the heart of the summer, and while our local high school athletes are in a dead period, the national and global sports landscapes are delivering absolute fireworks.
From unforgettable history on the soccer pitch to a jaw-dropping, 23-run explosion on the baseball diamond, there is plenty to talk about over your morning coffee. Let's dive right into the action.
Global & National News: America Moves On!
The big news of the morning comes from the FIFA World Cup 2026. In front of a raucous, flag-waving crowd of over 68,000 at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, the U.S. Men’s National Team punched its ticket to the Round of 16 with a dramatic, hard-fought 2-0 shutout victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Striker Folarin Balogun got the party started by slotting home a low, left-footed shot at the stroke of halftime. Things got incredibly tense in the 64th minute when Balogun was shown a straight red card, forcing the Americans to protect a slim lead while playing a man down. But the U.S. showed incredible spine. In the 82nd minute, midfielder Malik Tillman stepped up and curled a magnificent, 20-yard free kick over the wall and into the back of the net to seal the win. It is the USMNT's first World Cup knockout stage win since 2002. Next up? A massive Round of 16 showdown against Belgium in Seattle on July 6.
Speaking of Belgium, they earned their spot in a dramatic 3-2 overtime thriller against Senegal earlier in the day.
Here are the complete FIFA World Cup Round of 32 scores from Wednesday:
United States 2, Bosnia and Herzegovina 0
Belgium 3, Senegal 2 (OT)
England 2, DR Congo 1
MLB: A Wild Wednesday on the Diamond
If you fell asleep early last night, you missed one of the wildest box scores in modern baseball history. The Chicago Cubs completely dismantled the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field, putting up a staggering 23-3 baseball score. Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson went absolutely completely unconscious, crushing three home runs to lead the offensive onslaught.
Closer to home, the regional favorites had a mixed bag. The St. Louis Cardinals struggled to find answers at the plate, falling 5-1 to the Atlanta Braves. Meanwhile, out in Houston, the Astros couldn't hold off the Minnesota Twins, dropping their Wednesday contest 8-3.
Wednesday's Full MLB Scores:
Chicago Cubs 23, San Diego Padres 3
Washington Nationals 10, Boston Red Sox 2
Minnesota Twins 8, Houston Astros 3
Cleveland Guardians 9, Texas Rangers 4
Baltimore Orioles 6, Chicago White Sox 1
Detroit Tigers 6, New York Yankees 2
Toronto Blue Jays 9, New York Mets 3
Philadelphia Phillies 10, Pittsburgh Pirates 6
Atlanta Braves 5, St. Louis Cardinals 1
Tampa Bay Rays 4, Kansas City Royals 0
Milwaukee Brewers 4, Cincinnati Reds 2
Colorado Rockies 6, Miami Marlins 3
San Francisco Giants 6, Arizona Diamondbacks 4
Athletics 7, Los Angeles Dodgers 1
On the Slate: Thursday's MLB Schedule
We have a shorter, getaway-day schedule lined up for Thursday, but there are some excellent pitching matchups on deck. The Cardinals will try to bounce back and salvage their series in Atlanta, while the Rangers and Tigers start a fresh battle down in Arlington.
Pittsburgh Pirates @ Philadelphia Phillies – 11:35 a.m.
Cincinnati Reds @ Milwaukee Brewers – 1:10 p.m.
Miami Marlins @ Colorado Rockies – 2:10 p.m.
Chicago White Sox @ Cleveland Guardians – 5:40 p.m.
St. Louis Cardinals @ Atlanta Braves – 6:15 p.m.
Tampa Bay Rays @ Kansas City Royals – 6:40 p.m.
Detroit Tigers @ Texas Rangers – 7:05 p.m.
Los Angeles Angels @ Seattle Mariners – 8:40 p.m.
San Diego Padres @ Los Angeles Dodgers – 9:10 p.m.
MLB standings
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In Wister Lake’s fishing report for this week, elevation is 2 ft. above normal and falling, water temperature 89°F and stained. (USACE Current Lake Level) Largemouth bass good on crankbaits and jigs around brush structure, main lake, and river channel. Blue catfish fair on cut bait and shad around main lake and river channel. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure. Report submitted by James Williams, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Stay cool out there, keep grinding, and we’ll see you right back here tomorrow morning!
Misc.
LeFlore County calendar of events
Here's what's happening in Heavener and LeFlore County over the next week, including meetings, July 4 celebrations and more.
Thursday
Poteau Kiwanis Club meets noon EOMC
CNB customer appreciation day 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Funeral service for Andres E. Najar
Heavener VFW bingo 6 p.m.
Friday
Poteau cruise night
Saturday
Happy 4th of July
LeFlore County Historical Society bingo party
Freedom House Fellowship fourth of July fish fry 6 p.m.
Independence Day celebration downtown Poteau
Monday
LeFlore County commissioners meet 9 a.m.
Poteau city meetings 5:30 p.m.Tuesday
Poteau Evening Lions Club meets 6 p.m. CASC
Tuesday
Poteau Evening Lions Club meets 6 p.m. CASC
Wednesday
Poteau Rotary Club meets noon EOMC
Add your event to the LeFlore County calendar
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What we list:
Community events, church events, school events, government meetings, fundraisers, festivals, sports events, business grand openings, blood drives and more.
What we need from you:
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Date and time
Location (address or venue name)
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Today in History: July 2
LeFlore County & Regional Spotlight: The Birth of Herbert McClain Moore
1878 – Indian Territory Roots: On this date, Herbert McClain Moore was born in Skullyville, located in what was then the Choctaw Nation (now northern LeFlore County). He was the son of Lyman Moore, Sr. and Frances McClain. Moore went on to marry Lena McCurtain, the daughter of the influential Choctaw Principal Chief Green McCurtain, weaving his family deeply into the political and cultural history of the area.
World & National Headlines
1776 – The Real Independence Day?: The Second Continental Congress voted unanimously to adopt the Lee Resolution, officially legally severing the 13 American colonies from Great Britain. John Adams famously wrote to his wife, Abigail, the next day, predicting that July 2 would be celebrated by succeeding generations as "the great anniversary festival" with fireworks and parades. (The formal text of the Declaration of Independence was adopted two days later on July 4).
1881 – President James A. Garfield Shot: Just four months into his presidency, James A. Garfield was shot in the back by Charles J. Guiteau, a mentally unstable, disgruntled lawyer, at a Washington, D.C. train station. Garfield survived the initial attack but died eleven weeks later from severe infections caused by unsterilized medical treatment.
1937 – Amelia Earhart Disappears: Renowned aviator Amelia Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, vanished somewhere over the Pacific Ocean near Howland Island during her ambitious attempt to circumnavigate the globe. Despite a massive, historic rescue operation, no trace of their Lockheed Electra was ever found.
1964 – Civil Rights Act of 1964 Signed: In a momentous national milestone, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the historic Civil Rights Act into law, legally outlawing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and ending segregation in public spaces.
Notable Births on July 2
1908 – Thurgood Marshall: Legendary civil rights lawyer who successfully argued the landmark Brown v. Board of Education school desegregation case before becoming the first African American Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
1904 – René Lacoste: Acclaimed French tennis champion and businessman who famously invented the polo shirt.
1925 – Medgar Evers: Highly influential American civil rights activist and World War II veteran who served as the first field secretary for the NAACP in Mississippi before his tragic assassination in 1963.
1916 – Ken Curtis: Beloved American singer and actor, immortalized by millions of television viewers as the rugged, loyal deputy "Festus Haggen" on the classic Western series Gunsmoke.
Notable Deaths on July 2
1566 – Nostradamus: The world-famous French astrologer, physician, and reputed seer, best known for his book Les Prophéties.
1778 – Jean-Jacques Rousseau: The brilliant Swiss-born French philosopher and writer whose radical political philosophies helped pave the ideological pathway for both the American and French Revolutions.
1961 – Ernest Hemingway: One of America's greatest 20th-century novelists and short-story writers (The Old Man and the Sea, A Farewell to Arms), who died at his home in Ketchum, Idaho.
1977 – Vladimir Nabokov: Celebrated Russian-American novelist, poet, and lepidopterist, best known for writing the classic literary masterpiece Lolita.
Obits
James Lewis Neff Jr. obituary
James Lewis Neff Jr. of Poteau was born Nov. 14, 1949, in Poteau to James Lewis Neff Sr. and Syble (Johnson) Neff. He passed away June 21, 2026, in Heavener at the age of 76.
Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 3, at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas, with military honors provided by the Poteau DAV Chapter #63. A memorial service to honor his life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 11, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with Elder Eric Barlow officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral & Cremation Center of Poteau — LeFlore County's first and only on-site crematory.
Neff was a devoted resident of the area and a compassionate caregiver for Kibois. An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he found great joy in his faith. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era. Known for his love of church activities, fishing and football, he cherished the time spent with family and friends. James will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Lewis Neff Sr. and Syble (Johnson) Neff, and one brother, Edward Neff.
Survivors include his two sons, Jordan Neff and Johnathan Neff, along with numerous other loved ones and friends.
To view James's online guestbook, please visit www.dowdenrobertscremationcenter.com.
Heavener.news and our newsletter post paid obituaries, which includes all the information, and memorials with the main information, plus pictures for both. Obituaries are $25 each while the memorials are a free service for our readers. Obituaries and memorials MUST come from a funeral home. Funeral homes can email [email protected].
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