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_{Daily Bible verse}

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Psalms 19:1

Hartshorne man sentenced for murder 

MUSKOGEE – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Timothy Kenneth Barber, 45, of Hartshorne was sentenced to 293 months in prison for one count of Murder in Indian Country—Second Degree. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police. 

On Nov. 5, 2024, Barber pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, on Dec. 20, 2023, Barber killed the victim with a single intentional shot to the head fired at close range from a .22 caliber rifle.  The crime occurred in Pittsburg County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. 

John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.  Barber will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Robinson represented the United States.

LeFlore County sports scores from 5-15-2025

LeFlore County sports scores for baseball games played Friday.

Baseball

Preston 6, Panama 1

Talihina 12, Mangum 8

To make a correction or addition, email [email protected].

OU Drops Back-and-Forth Opener to No. 3 Texas  

NORMAN – Oklahoma dropped a back-and-forth series opener to No. 3 Texas Thursday night, 7-4.  

OU (32-18, 13-15 SEC) held a 3-1 lead through five before the Longhorns (41-10, 21-7) rallied to take a 4-3 lead at the top of the eighth. In the home half of the eighth, Oklahoma knotted the game at four before Texas’ Max Belyeu hit a three-run home run at the top of the ninth to give UT the win. 

The Sooners struck first in the bottom of the first as junior Trey Gambill raced home on a wild pitch. Texas tied the game in the third on a throwing error that allowed centerfielder Tommy Farmer IV to come across.  

To the third, Gambill launched a leadoff home run for his fourth of the season to push OU back in front, 2-1.  

Junior Easton Carmichael extended the lead in the fifth with an RBI double to right center to score fellow junior Dawson Willis.  

OU starting right-handed pitcher Kyson Witherspoon exited after sixth and a third. Witherspoon was exceptional again for the Sooners, surrendering two earned runs on five hits with one walk to go with eight strikeouts. It was his eighth game with eight or more strikeouts in 14 starts. 

The Longhorns rallied with a two-run single in the seventh off the bat of Farmer IV to tie the game then took the lead at the top of the eight on an RBI single from first baseman Kimble Schuessler.  

Oklahoma responded in the home half of the eighth. After a walk and hit by pitch, sophomore Jaxon Willits laced a one-run single to left field to score Carmichael and tie the game.  

In his first game back from injury, Texas’ Belyeu hit a three-run home run at the top of the ninth to give the Horns the lead for good. The Sooners drew a one-out walk in the bottom of the ninth but a pair of strikeouts ended the threat.  

Relievers James Hitt (0.0 IP), Jason Bodin (1.2), Dylan Crooks (0.1) and Jackson Kircher (0.2) combined to close the game for OU. Bodin surrendered a run on three hits, while Crooks (L, 2-1) suffered his first loss by giving up two earned runs on two hits.  

Carmichael and Willits registered two-hit days to pace OU, going 2-for-3 and 2-for-4, respectively.  

The teams meet for game two Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. CT. The series can be seen via SECN+ and heard on 99.3 FM/1400 AM The REF in Oklahoma or nationwide on The Varsity Network app. 

Cowboys claim opener over Arizona State

 STILLWATER – Oklahoma State defeated Arizona State by a 6-2 score in Thursday night’s series opener at O’Brate Stadium. 

With the win, the Cowboys improved to 25-22 overall and 13-12 in Big 12 play, while ASU fell to 35-19 and 18-10 in conference play. 

Harrison Bodendorf got the ball for his 14^th start of the season and once again made his case as the Big 12’s top pitcher. The junior southpaw worked seven innings, striking out eight and allowing just one run to move to 10-1 on the season. 

Bodendorf became the first Cowboy pitcher to record double-digit wins in a season since Jensen Elliott, who also recorded 10, in 2019. Bodendorf also completed the regular season without allowing a stolen base against him in 81 1/3 innings. 

On offense, Nolan Schubart and Colin Brueggemann both homered, and Brayden Smith provided the biggest knock of the night with a three-run double. 

Bodendorf got himself into trouble in the first inning as the first three Sun Devil batters got a hit, with the third off the bat of Matt King bringing home a run. But the Cowboy ace escaped further damage, ending the inning by inducing a 4-6-3 double play. 

Schubart evened the score in the bottom of the inning, launching a two-out home run to right field. The blast was Schubart’s 15^th of the season and 55^th of his career, moving him into a tie for fourth on OSU’s all-time list with Billy Gasparino and Ray Ortiz. 

After a 1-2-3 inning from Bodendorf in the second that included a pair of strikeouts, the Pokes had a big inning with the bats. Kollin Ritchie, Avery Ortiz and Alex Conover loaded the bases, and Brock Thompson brought in the Cowboys’ second run of the game with an RBI walk. The next batter, Smith, drove in all three Cowboys with a double to the left-center field gap to extend the lead to 5-1. 

With his strikeout of Isaiah Jackson to end the top of the fifth inning, Bodendorf had retired 15 consecutive ASU hitters. In the bottom of the inning, Brueggemann hit a ball off the centerfield batter’s eye to push the lead to 6-1. 

After retiring 18-straight Sun Devils, Bodendorf surrendered a single to King in the seventh. ASU would go on to load the bases with one out, but Bodendorf got out of the jam with a strikeout and an inning-ending groundout. 

Ryan Ure replaced Bodendorf in the eighth and was able to get out of the inning after catcher Ian Daugherty did a textbook job of backing up first base after an errant throw, and Landon Hairston was caught in no man’s land between first and second base. 

Gabe Davis pitched the ninth, and after allowing one run, was able to get Brody Briggs to fly out with the bases loaded to hold on for the win.

Hogs outpaced by Vols in opener

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas – Despite a 15-hit outburst, No. 8 Arkansas (41-12, 18-10 SEC) could not keep pace with No. 17 Tennessee (41-13, 16-12 SEC) and was handed a 10-7 loss in the series opener Thursday night at Baum-Walker Stadium. 

The Razorbacks fell three games back of first-place Texas but remain in second in the SEC standings with two conference contests left. Arkansas will hand the ball to right-hander Aiden Jimenez, making his first start of the season, tomorrow as it looks to even the series against Tennessee at one game apiece, with first pitch set for 6:30 p.m. on SEC Network+. 

Led by Logan Maxwell’s three-hit night, five Razorbacks logged multi-hit games in the series opener. Maxwell, who finished 3-for-4 with an RBI, matched his season high with three hits, while Charles Davalan (2-for-6, 2B, 2 RBI), Kuhio Aloy (2-for-5, 2B, 2 RBI), Reese Robinett (2-for-3, 2 RBI) and Justin Thomas Jr. (2-for-5, RBI) each collected multiple hits. 

Arkansas tagged Tennessee starter Marcus Phillips for three runs on seven hits and three walks in 4.1 innings, jumping out to a 2-1 lead through three. The Volunteers, however, punched back against Razorback starter Zach Root, scoring four runs on seven hits and two walks in 3.2 innings against the lefty, who struck out four, to take a 4-2 lead after four. 

Kuhio Aloy’s RBI double in the bottom of the fifth cut Arkansas’ deficit to one, but Tennessee would create more separation in the seventh with its second of three three-run innings on the night. Gabe Gaeckle, who took over in relief of Root, tossed 2.2 scoreless innings before the Volunteers broke through for three runs on two homers in the seventh. 

Trailing 7-3 in the bottom half of the eighth inning, the Razorbacks strung together a three-run rally powered by Wehiwa Aloy’s two-run single and Kuhio Aloy’s run-scoring fielder’s choice. Wehiwa Aloy moved his season slash line to a team-leading .361/.445/.676, while Kuhio Aloy, his younger brother, increased his team-leading RBI total to 68 in the loss. 

Tennessee delivered the knockout blow in the top of the ninth inning, responding to Arkansas’ three-run rally with three more runs of its own to put the game away. Thomas Jr. would drive in Robinett with a two-out single in the bottom of the ninth to cut the Razorbacks’ deficit back to three, but Volunteer relief pitcher Nate Snead, who allowed four runs on six hits in his two innings of work, would withstand the damage and close out Tennessee’s 10-7 series-opening win. 

Arkansas left 11 runners on base and finished 3-for-14 (.214) with runners in scoring position in Thursday night’s loss.

Obituary for Garlena Vickers

Garlena Rebecca (Standridge) Vickers, a beloved wife, mother, Grammy, Great-Grammy, sister, aunt and friend, passed away at her home in Heavener May 13, 2025 at the age of 79. She was born in Muskogee Nov. 17, 1945 to Garland Roland and Lula Myrtle (Casey) Standridge. 

A memorial service to celebrate Garlena’s life is 4 p.m. Saturday at Heavener First Baptist Church with Brother Sam Dyer, Brother Jerry Williams and Pastor Brock Hardin officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.

Garlena is preceded in death by her parents, Garland and Myrtle Standridge; her sisters, Anna Lou Denny and Bettie Arnold-Reynolds; and one brother, Wayne Standridge. 

Garlena graduated from Eufaula High School in 1963. She attended Eastern Oklahoma A & M College in Wilburton where she earned her Associates Degree. It was at Eastern Oklahoma A & M where Mike and her met. They married Aug. 28, 1965. After marrying, they moved to California and had their first son, Michael, in 1968. After leaving the service in 1970, Mike and Garlena moved to Tulsa, where Garlena worked at Southwestern Bell. While living in Tulsa, in 1974, they had their second son, Todd. Soon after having Todd, Mike, Garlena, and their family moved to Heavener. After moving to Heavener, Garlena was a dedicated stay at home mom. She was very involved in her boy’s sports, school, and church activities. Garlena went on to work as a loan officer at First National Bank – Heavener Branch and later as the Secretary for Heavener High School. 

In 2006, Garlena was diagnosed with Stage 4 Multiple Myeloma Cancer. Through her journey of fighting cancer, Garlena continued to find joy, shower others with love and never waivered in her faith. Garlena was a proud mom and grandma. No matter how much pain or sickness she was experiencing, she was always fighting so she could be actively present in her grandchildren’s lives. She enjoyed attending and watching their sports activities, plays, graduations, celebrating birthdays or any special occasion. Garlena is the perfect example of selflessness, by always putting others needs above her own. Garlena will be missed by all whom knew and loved her. 

Garlena is survived by her husband of 59 years, Mike Vickers, of the home; her children Michael Vickers and wife Cindy of Damascus, Arkansas, and Todd Vickers of Heavener; Garlena “Grammy” was blessed with five grandchildren, which were the highlight of her life: Haleigh (Vickers) Bramlett and husband Carson of Greenbrier, Arkansas, Lakota Vickers of Norman, Jastyn Vickers of West Little Rock, Arkansas, Sada Vickers of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Jacob Vickers of Fort Smith, Arkansas; one great-grandchild, Georgia Bramlett; a multitude of nieces, nephews, extended family, and cherished friends that she touched with warmth and love. 

The family wants to give a special thanks to all who have supported Mike and her with prayer, visits, cards, calls, and love throughout their journey. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the 20^th Century Club of Little Rock – Hope Away From Home (20^th Century Home provides free lodging and meals to patients undergoing Multiple Myeloma Cancer treatments) in memory of Garlena Vickers. Call 501-907-1760 for donation assistance and the website is www.hopeawayfromhome.org. Flowers can be sent to Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home 710 US Highway 270, Heavener, Oklahoma 74937. 

Pallbearers are Butch Gilstrip, Tommy Newcomer, David Grubbs, Sr., Chad Arnold, Clint Judd, Carson Bramlett, Brian Franklin, Craig Miller, Bubba Sturgeon, Terry Stites, Dusty Alexander, David Grubbs, Jr., Nathan Janway, Kendall Stacy and Brian Hooper. 

The family will have visitation with friends immediately following the memorial service Saturday at the church. 

To sign Garlena’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com. 

Imogene Sizemore services planned

Imogene Sizemore, 93, of Heavener was born Nov. 28, 1931 to Elsie Mae (Meeks) and Rural Eugene Hardin. She went home to be with her creator, Jesus Christ May 14, 2025 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. 

Funeral services for Ms. Imogene are 11 a.m., Saturday at Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener,  with Pastor Brock Hardin officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Heavener. 

Imogene, a cherished member of our community and devoted homemaker, touched the lives of many as a longtime resident of the area. She was of the Baptist faith. Her warm spirit and love for family and friends made her a truly beautiful soul, both inside and out. Imogene hobbies included collecting dolls, quilting, cooking, caring for her grandchildren, and gatherings at Thanksgiving and Christmas time. Imogene's presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. In loving memory, we remember her kindness and the joy she brought into our lives. Her legacy will forever remain in our hearts. 

Imogene is survived by her children Cary Sizemore of Heavener, Randy Sizemore of Panama, Marie Adams of Shady Point, and Shawnna Daniels and husband Jonathan of Poteau; her grandchildren David Sizemore of Heavener, Christina Evans and husband Leo of Heavener, Eric Adams of Shady Point, Garrett Adams and wife Emily of Murry Spur, and Kylie, Brayden, Kaysen, Winsten, Randall, William, and Raphael Daniels, all of Poteau; her great-grandchildren Devin, Kendra, Brianna, Kaitlyn and Ryder; her great-great-grandchildren Jack, Sara, Aria, Joel and Paisley; her brother, Harold Dean Hardin, of Bakersfield, California. 

She is preceded in death by her parents; the father of her children, Burly Sizemore; her significant other of 19 years, Marion Newt Poor; five brothers Buck, Ed, Fred, Leon and Marvin; a son-in-law, Doren Adams; a daughter-in-law, Janet Sizemore; three sisters-in-law Oleta Hardin, Virginia Hardin and Eva Sizemore; a step-son, Christopher Shawn Poor; two great-grandsons Dustin Lee Woodrall and Brantley Adams; a step-granddaughter, Brandy Morton; a step-grandson, JC Rye; and a great-great-granddaughter, Emily Sizemore. 

Viewing is Friday from noon until 6 p.m. at the funeral home. 

To sign Imogene’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com. 

Carthal “Cotton” Hale funeral services set

 Carthal “Cotton” Hale, 92, of Spiro funeral services are 10 a.m. on Monday at Victory Worship Center in Spiro with Reverend Jim Cook and Reverend Bryan Fouts officiating. Burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery in Spiro, under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home.

Visitation is Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., with the family present to greet friends from 3 to 5 p.m. at the funeral home.

Cotton was born Feb. 11, 1933 in Bokoshe to Mollie (Poteet) Hale and William Hale. He passed away May 14, 2025, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He married the love of his life, Snodine, June 15, 1957, in Stigler and together they shared nearly 68 years of marriage.

Cotton was a proud veteran of the United States Army and a retired fireman from the Panama Fire Department. He was well known in the community as the longtime owner and operator of Cotton Drive Inn in Panama, where he and his wife served hamburgers for 28 years. He had a legendary way with people and a great love for his family. His grandchildren never left his home without a five-dollar bill in hand—a small token of his endless affection.

He had a sharp wit and a mischievous streak, often described as a little “onery,” but always a great man with a heart of gold. He enjoyed playing the slot machines, dominos, and cards. He could often be found in the mornings at the local coffee shop, sharing stories and laughs.

Cotton was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Kenneth Hale, Haskell Hale, Lloyd Hale and Garvin “Mousie” Hale; and his sisters Imogene Harris, Marie Real, Evelyn Minor and Bernice Hale.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Snodine Hale; son Larry Hale and wife Sheila; daughter Sissy Tackett and husband Rick; grandchildren Trina Morris and husband Jason, Justin Cox and wife Kayla, Chelsey Hale, Jason Cox and wife Skylar; and great-grandchildren Jaycie Cox, Bryce Cox, Payton Morris, Charlie Hale, Sadie McDuffy, Viktor Cox, Charlotte Cox, Livvy Cox, Gavin McClendon, Reylen Sweeten and Sadie Sweeten; his brother, Carl Hale, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends.

Pallbearers are Justin Cox, Jason Cox, Jason Morris, Bimbo Hale, Jason Cloud and Ryan Emerson.

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