Larry L. Prillwitz, 81, of Lake Placid, Fla., went home to be with the Lord on Monday morning, June 23, 2025. Larry was born on May 27, 1944, to Henry and Carol Prillwitz. He was of the Baptist faith. Larry was born and raised in Michigan where his love of farming fruit and vegetables began. Larry was a self-taught learner who was able to operate any piece of farm machinery and even learned how to fly small planes. He and his family moved to Hugo, Okla., in 1979 where he begin a successful career as a large crane operator in the construction industry. After leaving construction, Larry had many enjoyable years as a business owner of a pecan and trucking company, then later as an owner of a general country store and nursery along with a storage building business. Larry enjoyed time with his family and especially tried to see his grandsons often. Larry and his wife loved traveling the country and had many fun adventures together. Their final adventure took them back to a childhood town in Lake Placid, Fla., where they lived out his final days enjoying a peaceful life.

Darlene Rogers, a beloved mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2025, at the age of 89, in Boswell, Okla. Born on Feb. 11, 1936 in the small community of Bower, Okla., she was the daughter of Clarence Pearce and Emily Hamlin Pearce. Darlene lived a life rich in love, community and faith, and her legacy will resonate for generations to come.

Operation Christmas Time in August has officially launched, with efforts underway to collect donations for U.S. troops currently deployed overseas. This year’s drive holds special local significance, as among those serving is Captain Greg Gardner, a native of the Texoma region.

Choctaw County Genealogy Society is having a start-up meeting, Monday, July 7, at 6 p.m. at the Choctaw County Library.

A federal district judge ruled recently that the State of Oklahoma has sufficiently proven there has not been any substantive change in poultry litter pollution of the Illinois River Watershed (IRW) following trial. The ruling by Oklahoma Northern District Judge Gregory Frizzell included the finding that phosphorus from poultry waste continues to be a significant source of damage to the waters of the IRW and Lake Tenkiller.

Are you a U.S. soybean grower committed to conservation? Share your sustainability story, and you could be honored with the American Soybean Association’s 2026 Conservation Legacy Award.

Nick Cody See Leadership Oklahoma announces the exceptional individuals who have been carefully selected as members of its esteemed 38th class. Chosen from a pool of outstanding applicants representing diverse backgrounds and regions across the state, this year’s program is comprised of remarkable leaders who embody the essence of Leadership Oklahoma’s mission.