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Here is your local news, weather, and community update for Tuesday, July 7, 2026:

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”

Matthew 19:26

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LeFlore County and cities across the country celebrated the spirit of America's 250th on July 4th. Freedom Trucks channel that same spirit of American pride into the hands and hearts of American families, no matter what corner of the country they call home, and continue the journey throughout the year. Each custom-built mobile exhibit features museum-quality interactive technology, multimedia storytelling and firsthand experiences that highlight America's founding and defining chapters, as well as innovations that continue to shape the nation's future.

The exhibit will be open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 14-16, at the Donald W. Reynolds Center/Poteau Chamber, 105 Reynolds Ave. in Poteau.

"We are so grateful to have the opportunity to be the host site for Freedom 250 Mobile Museum," said Poteau Mayor Scotty White. "This is a wonderful opportunity for the citizens of LeFlore County and city of Poteau to take a step through 250 years of our nation's history. I am so grateful for this opportunity. God bless Poteau and God bless the U.S.A."

"The Poteau Chamber's role is to keep the city and county moving forward by hosting events each year, such as the Poteau Balloon Fest, motorcycle rallies, parades and more," said a Poteau Chamber representative. "Hosting this event is the top tier and an opportunity of a lifetime in our books. Poteau is considered a small town by size, but super big on the values of faith, family and freedom. When applying, it was a shot in the dark. The Donald W. Reynolds Center set ambitious standards when it comes to hosting large numbers. Looking at the list, we may very well be one of the smallest areas chosen. Poteau thinks big and works on a larger scale when it comes to support and volunteers. We are ready to continue America's biggest year here in our hometown area. God bless freedom and families."

For more information, visit www.freedomtruck.org.

July 4 was celebrated with a lot of fanfare this year, as it was also the nation's 250th birthday. I love this nation. I try never to take for granted the liberty we enjoy. Working in state government, I get a glimpse of how hard it must have been for our nation's founders to come to agreement on documents such as the Declaration of Independence and, later, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I think about the arguments that must have ensued. It makes our system of government and our freedoms even more precious to me. I'm thankful to all who work to keep us safe and free, including the members of our military, our veterans, our law enforcement and so much more. I'm also thankful to God for his grace and protection over our nation, flawed as we are at times.

I attended celebrations in Wister and Spiro, but I know many places had their own big shows of fireworks, parades, cookouts and more. I'm glad people came together to enjoy this holiday. I pray we make it another 250 years and more.

The executive director of the Oklahoma Tax Commission, Doug Linehan, is coming to our area later this month in a meeting that will be open to the public. The meeting is set for 1 p.m. July 29 at the Poteau Library. I anticipate some questions and concerns being shared, but I hope everyone will take the opportunity to thank Director Linehan for the gift of his time and travel down to meet with us.

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court reinforced an Oklahoma law that bans boys and men from competing in women's sports in school or college. Oklahoma's Senate Bill 2, the Save Women's Sports Act, was signed into law in 2022. The law prohibits students who are male according to their biological sex at birth from competing on girls' or women's athletic teams in Oklahoma public schools or institutions of higher education. There's been a push to allow transgender athletes — males who say they are transitioning to become girls, or vice versa — to compete on the teams that match the gender to which they identify. In many cases, however, males have physiological traits that give them an athletic advantage over females. In some cases, females have been hurt by male competitors. This ruling makes sense and will protect our girls and women. It affects other states that have similar laws as well. I'm glad to see this common-sense ruling by the court.

Remember to listen to my Capitol update on the radio at 7:35 a.m. every Thursday on KPRV.

As always, if I can help you with anything, please call my Capitol office at (405) 557-7413 or email me at [email protected].

Rick West serves District 3 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of LeFlore County.

Here is a look back at Today in History for July 7, highlighting significant milestones, cultural moments, and notable births and deaths that have shaped our world.

STILLWATER – Exercise is a key part of a healthy lifestyle, but being physically active in Oklahoma’s intense heat may prompt people to skip their regular routine. 

Regular exercise offers numerous health benefits for people of all ages, including improved heart health and increased energy levels, but when the temperature climbs, there is a risk for heat-related injuries. As Oklahomans delve further into summer, finding alternative ways to stay physically active without overheating is vital.

Making exercise an integral part of everyday life from an early age can help ensure people stay physically active throughout their lives, said Candy Gabel, state coordinator for Oklahoma State University Extension’s Community Nutrition Education Programs.

“You don’t need a gym membership to make exercise a part of your everyday activity,” she said. “The key is avoiding the heat, not the exercise. If being outside to exercise is important to you, do it during the coolest part of the day. Early mornings and late evenings typically offer the lowest temperatures and less direct sunlight than the middle of the afternoon.”

Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing helps regulate body temperature. For those new to an exercise program, ease into it gradually to help acclimate to warme rweather.

For those who prefer exercising indoors, there’s no limit to what can be achieved. Streaming services offer a variety of options for exercise – from Pilates to yoga to high-intensity interval training. Remember, everyday chores, including vacuuming or mopping floors, or yard and garden work, can elevate the heart rate for some cardio. People can use their own body weight for resistance training with activities such as lunges,s quats, push-ups or planks. Walking up and down stairs is also a good cardiovascular workout.

“Another idea is turning watching television into an active activity. Challenge yourself to do jumping jacks, stretches or planks during each commercial break,” Gabel said. “You can also throw a dance party by putting on your favorite upbeat music and dancing.” 

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, the amount and type of activity changes across the lifespan.

“It’s never too early to get children interested in physical activity. It’s important for children ages 3 to 5 to be active throughout the day to enhance growth and development, ”Gabel said. “This age group should be encouraged to participate in active play for at least three hours per day. This is a combination of light, moderate and vigorous intensity. Focus on a variety of movements, including throwing, skipping and tumbling.”

Children and adolescents ages 6 to 18 should aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every day. Try to include aerobic activity and muscle-and bone-strengthening activities. Push-ups, jumping rope, bicycling and gymnastics are great ways to accomplish this goal.

It’s recommended that adults up to age 64 participate in 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week.

“It’s important to work on muscle-strengthening, too,” Gabel said. “Try to target all major muscle groups, including legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms.”

Adults over 65 should follow the guidelines for 18- to 64-year-olds as much as their health and abilities allow. Focus on multicomponent physical activity that combines balance training, aerobic activity and muscle strengthening.

“When the weather warms up, it can be tough to maintain an exercise routine if you’re accustomed to exercising outside,” Gabel said. “With a little modification, exercising indoors can be just as effective and rewarding. The key is consistency, not where you exercise.” 

OSU Extension uses research-based information to help all Oklahomans solve local issues and concerns, promote leadership and manage resources wisely throughout the state’s 77 counties. Most information is available at little to no cost.

Regina Elaine Duvall was born Jan. 28, 1958, in Poteau, to Lee Miles Duvall and Doris Elaine (Wooten) Duvall. She passed away July 3, 2026.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, with Taylor Pollard officiating. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery in Glendale, under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee Miles Duvall and Doris Elaine (Wooten) Duvall of Wister; and her brother, Gordon Duvall of Wister.

Survivors include her daughter Bailey Lee and husband Michael, of Van Buren, Arkansas; her grandsons Samuel Pool and Jeremy Pool; her granddaughter, Addilynne Cox; her brother, Randy Duvall and wife Joni, of Wister; her sisters Vicky and husband Jess, of Wister, and Dana Burns and husband Joe, of Wister; her nephews Lee Akins, John Duvall and Chris Akins, all of Wister and Monroe respectively, and Brennon Burns of Buffalo Valley; her niece, April Duvall of Wister; her great-nieces and great-nephews Chase Akins, Blake Akins, Brody Akins, Landon Akins, Mackenzie Heavener and Ali Duvall; along with numerous other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be Jonathan Duvall, Chris Akins, Blake Akins, Chase Akins, Lee Akins and Brennon Burns.

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

Rose Antoinette Rice, 87, of Poteau, passed away.

She was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Thomas and Josephine Muscolino.

Viewing and visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Pocola Funeral Home; family will not be present. Family will be present at 10 a.m. Wednesday for viewing and visitation. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Evans & Miller Chapel in Pocola, with Dr. James Parsley and Pastor Mickey Ellis officiating. Private family burial will follow at Monroe Cemetery, under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman John Rice; her parents, Josephine and Thomas Muscolino; and her brother, Alfred Muscolino.

Survivors include her sister, Diana; her brothers, Richard and Andy; a large extended family; and countless friends and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Poteau Valley Baptist Church or Gideons International in her memory.

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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