Choctaw Nation opens new council house ‘Okla Chukka’ TUSKAHOMA –– A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on June 20 to mark the grand opening of Okla Chukka, “The People’s House,” in Tuskahoma. This new tribal council house, designed to foster tribal member engagement in the democratic process, stands as a testament to the rich heritage and promising future of the Choctaw Nation.

By Andy and Renie Bowman Comments to: andybowman839@gmail.com Coffeetimecolumn. com Of course you’ve been there many times before. A deaddark night when you have no electricity for some reason, so you light a candle. And immediately that thing shines like a diamond that has a heavy spotlight six inches from it. No mistaking where it is. If you are carrying it, everyone around knows it’s you, and they know when you’re coming their way. Because burning candles don’t hide well in the dark.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Thirty-four Oklahoma fifth and eighth grade teachers immersed themselves in early American history at the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute in June. The renowned institute is held in and around Colonial Williamsburg, the restored capital city of 18th-century Virginia.

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) is partnering with Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma Veterans United Fox program and Eagle OPS Foundation to provide an event with vital resources to assist veterans. VETS-travaganza is a vibrant mix of activities, including tribal cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and networking which connects veterans and their families to essential benefits and claims assistance.

Attorney General Gentner Drummond has asked members of the state Pardon and Parole Board to reject clemency for Emmanuel Littlejohn, who was convicted of brutally murdering Kenny Meers during a convenience store robbery in June 1992.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has announced a series of public meetings concerning a proposed hydro-power plant project on the upper reaches of Kiamichi River in the general area of the common boundaries of Pushmataha, Latimer and LeFlore Counties. The project applicant is The Southeast Oklahoma Power Corporation (SEOPC), which plans to construct a 1,200-megawatt pumped-storage hydroelectric facility and transfer the power 100 miles south into Northeast Texas.

Makalyn Mitchell, of Valliant, earned an Associate of Arts in General Studies from University of Maryland Global Campus in spring 2024. Mitchell was one of more than 14,000 students worldwide who earned degrees from UMGC in the 2023-24.

The Daughters of the American Revolution is a national organization that was established Oct. 11, 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism for God, Home and Country. The NSDAR was incorporated in 1896 by an Act of Congress.