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Main, news
September 3, 2025
VA Medical Center to receive infrastructure improvements

The Department of Veterans Affairs will realign an additional $800 million this fiscal year as part of the Veterans Health Administration’s Non-Recurring Maintenance program, which makes infrastructure improvements to health care facilities to ensure safe and effective patient care.

The extra funding means more resources to repair and update aging VA facilities and technology.

The extra money will be spent on a variety of improvement projects at various VA health care facilities across the nation, including the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Muskogee, where the following improvements will occur:

• Expand Surveillance System

• Stabilize Hillside and Restore Parking Areas

• Full Facility Standby Generator System

• Demolish Buildings 6,7,8,9,10

• Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) Infrastructure Upgrades

• Tulsa Communities Helping Invest through Property and Improvements Needed (CHIP-IN) Day 2 Off Site Utility Prep

“This is another step forward in our efforts to make VA work better for the Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors we are charged with serving,” VA Secretary Doug Collins said. “Improved facilities, equipment and infrastructure help improve care for Veterans, and these additional funds will enable VA to achieve that goal.”

The additional funds will come from savings gleaned from various VHA reform efforts. The additions will bring total NRM program spending for fiscal year 2025 to $2.8 billion — a nearly $500 million increase from fiscal year 2024.

The improvements announced today are the latest in a growing list of VA accomplishments during the second Trump Administration, including: • The backlog of Veterans waiting for VA benefits is down more than 37% since Jan. 20.

• Since Jan. 20, VA has offered Veterans nearly 1 million appointments outside of normal operating hours. These early-morning, evening, and weekend appointments are giving Veterans more timely and convenient options for care.

• VA has opened 16 new health care clinics across the nation since Jan. 20.

• The President’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request would add billions to VA’s budget.

• VA has made it easier and faster for VAenrolled Veterans to access care from non-VA providers at the department’s expense.

• VA has implemented major reforms to make it easier for survivors to get benefits.

• VA is processing record numbers of disability claims, reaching 1 million claims processed for FY25 on Feb. 20 and reaching 2 million claims by June — both achievements were done in record time.

Ohl is named as new Gore Police chaplain
Main, news...
Ohl is named as new Gore Police chaplain
January 14, 2026
The Gore Police Department is proud to welcome Justin Ohl as their police chaplain. Ohl also serves the Gore community as fire chief and emergency manager. As police chaplain, he will be available to ...
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Main, news...
Vian School Board approves staff stipends, hires new custodian
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
January 14, 2026
The Vian Board of Education met in regular session on Dec. 8, approving financial items, personnel actions and staff compensation for the upcoming school year. During superintendent and principal repo...
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Main, news...
In-person assistance available for ad valorem exemption filing
January 14, 2026
The Sequoyah County ad valorem exemption filing period is now open, and the county assessor’s office is providing in-person assistance at five county locations to help with filling and answer question...
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Five arrested, charges filed in Muldrow homicide
Main, news...
Five arrested, charges filed in Muldrow homicide
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
January 14, 2026
Authorities have arrested five people and filed multiple felony charges in connection with the killing of a Muskogee man, whose body was discovered last fall along the Arkansas River in Van Buren, Ark...
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Burlison new chair for commissioners
Main, news...
Burlison new chair for commissioners
By LYNN ADAMS SPECIAL TO THE NEWS 
January 14, 2026
Sequoyah County Commissioners at their Monday weekly meeting elected District 2 Commissioner Beau Burlison to chair the county board for 2026. District 1 Commissioner Ray Watts, who served as the boar...
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Main, news...
Vian approves sanitation truck purchase, accepts resignation
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
January 14, 2026
The Vian Board of Trustees addressed several key items during its regular meeting on Dec. 15, including infrastructure investments, departmental reports and financial decisions. During guest presentat...
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Editor Picks
Joe Ward
Obituaries
Joe Ward
January 14, 2026
Sept. 8, 1957 – Dec. 22, 2025 Funeral services for Joe Ward, 68, of Sallisaw, were held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at the Agent Mallory-Martin Chapel in Sallisaw. Burial was at Akins Cemetery un...
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Paula Jo Morgan
Obituaries
Paula Jo Morgan
January 14, 2026
April 17, 1964 – Dec. 31, 2025 Funeral services for Paula Jo Morgan, 61, of Sallisaw, were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at the Agent Mallory- Martin Chapel in Sallisaw. Burial was at Akins ...
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Larry G. Perry
Obituaries
Larry G. Perry
January 14, 2026
May 13, 1950 – Dec. 31, 2025 Funeral services for Larry G. Perry, 75, of Sallisaw, were held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at Agent Mallory Martin Chapel in Sallisaw, under the direction of Agent ...
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Michael Alan Brewer
Obituaries
Michael Alan Brewer
January 14, 2026
Feb. 10, 1951 – Dec. 18, 2025 Services for Michael Alan Brewer, of Sallisaw, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, in the Sequoyah Memorial Chapel at Forever Memories Funeral Services. Arrange...
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Louise Brashier Laxton
Obituaries
Louise Brashier Laxton
January 14, 2026
Dec. 10, 1937 – Dec. 22, 2025 Graveside services for Louise (Brashier) Laxton, 88, of Checotah, were held at 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Field Cemetery in Porum under the direction of Agent Mallo...
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