Hunt Mill Hollow Ranch
Wilderness & Wildlife Preserve in The Ozarks of Oklahoma
Family and Friends Recreation
Looking for a fantastic venue for a wedding, bachelorette or bachelor party, family outing or reunion? We provide recreational activities for non-stop fun, excitement and awe. The lakes, streams, mountain meadows, the maple, oak, pine, and hickory covered hillsides will take your soul to a new place of natural beauty. Our mountain top views are endless, and the wildlife you’ll see will be totally amazing. There are so many deer, elk, buffalo, wild hogs, aoudad, ibex, and zebra, plus a great variety of birds throughout this 4200 acre ranch!
Looking for a Wildlife Safari Destination to Photograph?
Spend your day traveling around the ranch to enjoy the wonders of the land and the animals. Capture your memories with gorgeous photos.
From September through April we offer all-inclusive hunting packages at Hunt Mill Hollow Ranch.
Need a corporate package?
Our Corporate Packages include the use of the entire ranch during your stay, over 6.5 square miles of wild Ozarks beauty!
Here’s to your health
Stilwell celebrates new wellness center
Nearly 200 people gathered Monday, Aug. 4 for the grand opening of the Mary L. Holland Carson Wellness Center.
Under awnings set up in front of the stateof-the-art facility, several speakers addressed the crowd before ribbon-cutting photos were taken and tours given inside the center. Cherokee Nation Deputy Secretary of State Canaan Duncan served as emcee, introducing speakers and special guests. CN Chief of Staff Dr. Corey Bunch welcomed everyone and opened the gathering with prayer.
Deputy Chief Bryan Warner summed up his words in the final sentence: “The best thing we can do is love one another.”
Tribal Councilor Cody Poindexter said the wellness center offers an opportunity to care for the body, mind and spirit in harmony.
“This is an opportunity to care for ourselves and others,” said Poindexter.
Tribal Councilor Josh Sam noted this is the strongest the Cherokee Nation tribe has ever been, “thanks to the leadership of [Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.] and Deputy Chief Warner.”
Forty-five years ago, Jim Carson said, no one would have dreamed of this wellness center.
“Drew and I are pleased to follow in our father’s footsteps. The dividends to this center are many and not about money. Our grandmother was a proud Cherokee citizen, put on the Dawes Rolls at age 2,” said Carson.
The Cherokee Nation is stepping up, doing things here no one else does for Cherokee Country, said Carson.
“This is a fabulous structure. I’m enrolled and I need to come out and get some help,” Carson said. “Drew and I appreciate being a small part of the healthy vision.”
Mayor Jean Ann Wright said there’s no better place to be from than Stilwell.
See CENTER, page 8
Renee Fite | City of Stilwell
Stilwell Mayor Jean Ann Wright was the first nurse at the old Cherokee Nation clinic.
Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said the wellness center was built without federal dollars.
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Center
“I graduated from the very first Cherokee Nation nursing program and was the first nurse hired at the old Cherokee Nation clinic,” said Wright. “I never dreamed something so amazing would be here. It’s not just a place for guys to work out, but there’s classes and child care. I hope this place becomes a cornerstone for our health and a place for families.”
Executive Director of Public Health
Lisa Pivec said growing up as a child at Peavine School, she never imagined a building like this here.
“The Cherokee Nation is leading the country in wellness. When you say that your family matters, put your priories where your heart is,” said Pivic.
The keynote speaker was Hoskin.
“Putting this facility aside, the Mankiller Clinic is exactly where it should be. This facility is for folks who are new to exercise,” said Hoskin.
Mary L. Holland is part of the generation of people who looked behind them and wondered if the best days of being Cherokee were gone.
Continued from page 6
“They helped bring us to this day,” said Hoskin. “Chief Mankiller wanted the tribe to stand on its own financially and it does. This facility costs $21 million and we didn’t take a penny of federal dollars. It’s all built by the Cherokee Health System. There are now more ways for people to be healthy where they are. It’s a world-class system as envisioned by Chief Mankiller, who said we can do health care better ourselves.”
In the end, Duncan challenged the audience to seize the opportunity for role class health care.
Inside the wellness center, the crowd tasted avocado toast prepared by the Kawi Cafe staff, and folks tried out different pieces of equipment and checked out the childcare room and classroom. An elevator offered a lift to the second floor and back down, and stairs also give access to the upstairs where additional equipment is available.
A station was set up in the lobby for people to sign up for services. — City of Stilwell
Renee Fite | City of Stilwell
A ribbon cutting was held for the Mary L. Holland Carson Wellness Center grand opening.
Lots of chili was enjoyed by people who voted for the Best in Adair County. Chris Davenport and others served chili Saturday at Fall Fest ‘25.
Family fun at Fall Fest
Chili, vendors, produce, music highlight event
After early morning sprinkles of rain, the sun was shining as the Fall-O-Ween Parade made its way through town on Saturday, Nov. 1 for the second annual Fall Fest.
The crowd was smaller this year, but those attending enjoyed hot chili, shopping the many vendors, and live music. From delicious fresh produce, to honey, winter blankets and hats, to wooden items and jewelry, the vendors were busy throughout the day.
“Fall Fest 2025 was a wonderful success,” Mayor Jean Ann Wright said. “Great vendors, tasty chili, fantastic local music, parade with more than 40 participants were some of the fun activities everyone seemed to enjoy. The dessert contest, pumpkin decorating, and costumed dogs events were also very popular. I’m so glad everyone had fun. And I appreciate everyone who came out to support Fall Fest, whether vendors, contestants, parade entries or visitors.”
First-place chili cook-off winner for business was the Stilwell Fire Department. Mayor Jean Ann Wright presents the award to new firefighter Tyler Rinehart. See FEST, page 10
Fest Continued from page 9
Vendor Eubanks Produce was very busy, said Nichole Starr.
“We carry and sold a lot of Ashlynn Ingram breads, and we sold a lot of our canned goods and produce and pie pumpkins,” said Starr.
The parade was really neat, Starr said.
“We enjoyed the camaraderie of talking to everyone, and seeing people we hadn’t seen in a while,” Starr said. “We helped some people learn to use their Cherokee Nation Farmers Market cards and get some fresh produce.”
It’s important to bring different vendors out, she said.
“Rose Farms had a good selection and Tina has bought apples and other things from us to can. People enjoyed a variety of vendor items,” said Starr.
About 40 entries were in the Fall-O-Ween parade. Led by parade marshal Bigfoot, then the Stilwell Police Department, Stilwell fire trucks and a sheriff’s vehicle, there were Dream Star royalty, a marching group of Stilwell Middle School Pom Squad girls, and County Commissioners Charles Boecher’s and Larry Woods’ men drove many of the trucks used by their departments.
Also new was the dog costume contest, won by Tyler Lawson with Freya; second place was Isabella Fuson with Cheez It; and third place was Summer Shell with Mickey Moon.
The pumpkin-decorating contest, with nine impressive and colorful entries, was won by Ayanna Ketcher, first; Jennifer Cal-
First-place chili cook-off winner in the individual category was Ike Merchant, who is receiving his award from Mayor Jean Ann Wright.
ico, second; and the Stilwell Fire Department, third.
The chili cook-off had two categories. Business winners were Stilwell Fire Department, first; Carson Bank, second; and Fraternal Order of Police, third. Individual winners were Ike Merchant, first; Kimberly Unger, second; and Barrett Harris, third.
Tracy Sims, with Carson Community Bank, said, “Chili Withdrawal” was the name of their chili.
“It’s made with a lot of interest and balance. We will loan you a spoon so you can experience the positive taste. You can bank on us for a good bowl,” said Sims.
Awards were given to all winners present, including the dessert winners from the Oct. 20 contest at City Hall and Fall-O-Ween Yard contest.
Parade winners were: Mayor’s Best of Show, Alyson Lawson; Grand Reserve, Stetson Russell; Reserve, Stilwell High School Cherokee Chief Dyran Buckner; first place, Dream Star Da’Vayah Unger; second place, County Commissioner Charles Boecher; and third place, County Commissioner Larry Woods.
Live music began at 9 a.m. with Vince Turner, at 11 with the 4 F’s – Dr. Carl Farinelli, Matthew Farinelli, John Fite and Dr. Brett Fitzgerald – and at 1 p.m. Canyon Sons, including Kevin Kimble, Michael Kimble, Jeff Porter and Steven Rankin.
Next year, the city will host more second Saturday events.
— City of Stilwell
Ayanna Ketcher, right, took first in the pumpkin-decorating contest. At left is Mayor Jean Ann Wright.
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SPARKING EDUCATION
Maryetta students learn fire safety at Stilwell FD
Fire safety education helps children understand what to do in an emergency. It especially helps them to be less fearful of firefighters wearing gear, so they will run toward instead of away from them in a fire.
Last week, Maryetta pre-kindergarten students from Patty Fredricks’ classroom visited the Stilwell Fire Department and met mascot Sparky the Dog. The children sat down in a row, chatting and looking around at firetrucks. Livi Scott, firefighter EMS, greeted the group and welcomed them to the fire station.
“Do you have a plan where to go if there’s a fire at your house, a meeting place?” Scott asked.
Several answered at once, “outside” and “on the playground” and “to my parents’ room.”
Showing her gear, Scott said, “When there’s a fire, we put on this big suit. I don’t want you to be afraid.”
“Do you know what this is?” said Scott, holding a fire alarm. “When you hear that, it’s a fire. Go to your meeting place.”
Next, she showed her boots and explained how that equipment protects her feet while at a fire.
Putting on her gear, she said, “Gloves protect my hands. This jacket has my name on it so they will know it’s me in a fire. This cap is to protect my neck and ears.”
Lifting her air tank and putting it on, she explained it was to help her breathe in a fire. “It looks like a backpack,” one child said. Scott agreed that it is put on like a backpack and secured tightly.
Scott asked the group if they could breathe in smoke, and everyone appeared to say they couldn’t. Next, she asked what they knew about fire trucks.
As the next visitor came out – mascot Sparky the Dog – the children clapped and giggled in excitement. They began to approach Sparky and Fredricks told them to sit
Maryetta pre-kindergarten student Mia Kester, left, smiles at mascot Sparky the Dog as she touches his ear.
and wait for their turn. Each had a picture taken with Sparky. Next they were able to climb into a fire truck and have a picture taken.
Since it rained, no ride was taken on a fire truck, but the kids left all smiles for the fun they had.
Cherokee Nation Family Advocates Valerie Robertson, Shelly Hummingbird and Terri Fourkiller work at Maryetta School and were on hand to help with the kids.
“This is such a good opportunity for the kids to learn safety and get used to firefighters in case they’re ever in a fire, so they won’t be so scared if ever they’re in that situation,” said Robertson.
In between taking pictures of the kids on the fire truck, Fredricks said she likes to bring the kids to the fire station.
“We learn about fire safety at school, and this gives them more of a visual, more hands on activities. And they get to see the firemen,” said Fredricks.
— City of Stilwell
Renee Fite | City of Stilwell
THE END OF AN ERA
Pinkertons retire, sell Stilwell Pharmacy
Mike and Sandra Pinkerton will no longer be found greeting customers and filling prescriptions at Stilwell Pharmacy, after the couple retired earlier this year.
The Pinkertons started working at the pharmacy in August 1984, after purchasing it from Keith and Darlene Bertelsen.
The pharmacist, who was from Tahlequah, wanted to get closer to home after graduating from Pharmacy School in Weatherford, at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
The couple found Stilwell to be a wonderful place to call home, raise a family and grow a business.
“We like the small-town feel, and know most all our customers,” he said. “We had steady growth. Customer confidence grows as business grows. Treat patients right with respect and they reward you with customer loyalty.”
The couple have many fond memories of Stilwell.
“The marquee we used to have was manual letter placement. No one liked taking down and replacing the letters 12 feet in the air. Then we upgraded to an electronic sign with a remote computer to easily change the message. Only thing was sometimes, the proofread would not be done until it was already broadcasting – oops,” said Pinkerton.
The downtown area where the pharmacy was located was filled with many iconic characters, Pinkerton said. Those included Burnell Isaacs of the Mercantile, Jack and Joy Smay of ACE Hardware, Bill and Linda Roedenbeck of Fletchers Hardware, Dollie Kester of Stilwell Cafe, Tom Carson of Carson Loan, and Jimmy Taylor, M.D.
When the couple purchased the pharmacy, it was on Division Street.
“It was a great location, but parking was not always available, so in 1991, we built and opened a new facility with a drive-thru window. That was especially helpful when the COVID outbreak occurred,” he said.
Mike and Sandra Pinkerton at Stilwell Pharmacy Monday, March 31 – their last day at work before retirement.
The Pinkertons appreciate being in Stilwell, and will miss seeing customers and friends.
“We’ll miss our patients, and the many interesting stories and family updates are what we will miss most,” he said.
Supporting the Chamber of Commerce is one way the Pinkertons have given back, and they’ve always been supportive of the community.
“Sandra and I have always been members of Chamber of Commerce, but until recently, not able to participate in lunches and activities. Once my son became a pharmacist, he came back to work part time for me, which gave me free lunch time, so I was able to go to Chamber lunches,” he said.
Times change, though, and a new face will be behind the pharmacy counter.
“The pharmacy was purchased by Jayson Carter, who lives in Vian area, and his full-time pharmacist, David Wilkerson, will be the pharmacist in charge. We have maintained most of our work force and will be able to answer questions and assist patients, just like I did for years,” he said.
What will retirement look like for the Pinkertons?
“Grandkids are in the mix of things I want to spend time with. We plan trips in advance for overseas and less planning for interstate trips. Lots to see in the USA,” he said. “I would like to get better at Spanish.”
They have no plans to relocate.
“We like it here,” Pinkerton said.
— City of Stilwell
It’s all about leadership Government
U.S. Congress
Josh Brecheen (R) District 2
Claremore District Office: 223 W. Patti Page Blvd., Claremore, OK 74017, 918 383-6262. Washington, D.C. office: 1208 Longworth House Office Building, Washington D.C. 20515 (202) 225-2701
U.S. Senator
James Lankford (R) (Tulsa) 918-5817651, 401 S. Boston Ave., Suite 2150, Tulsa OK 74104; (Washington) 202-224 5754, 316 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20510
State Representative District 86
David Hardin (R) 405-557-7394, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. Room 250, Oklahoma City, OK 73105
U.S. Senator
Alan Armstrong (R) B-33 Russell Senate Building Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: 202-224-4721
State Senator District 4
Tom Woods (R) (R) District 4, Westville 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. Oklahoma City. 405521-5576
Adair County Commissioners
HARDIN
WOODS
It’s all about community
A history of Adair County
Adair County was established at the Oklahoma Constitutional Convention in 1906 from the Going Snake and Flint districts of the Cherokee Nation combined, it says at okhistory.org. It was named an influential Cherokee Adair family, William Penn Adair. The region is part of the Ozark Plateau foothills of the Boston Mountains and the Illinois River running through it. Agriculture has been a major part of the county since statehood, in 1907, with wheat, oats, sorghums, corn, cattle and hoses as principal products. Historic sites in the county include Fort Wayne,built in 1838, the Adair County Courthouse, Buffington Hotel, Opera Block and Golda’s Mill. The county is infamous for gangs sometimes considered outlaws including the Starrs, Ned Christie, James brothers and Pretty Boy Floyd aka Charles Author. Some who put the county on the national map include the first female Chief of the Cherokees Wilma Mankiller, former Speaker of the House Larry Adair and football star Sam Claphan, who played for the University of Oklahoma and San Diego Chargers. The history of Adair County includes the 23 communities, many of which still have churches, schools and community centers: Bell, Cherry Tree, Chewey, Christie, Elm Grove, Fairfield, Greasy, Lyons Switch, Marietta, Mulberry, Old Green, Peavine, Piney, Proctor, Rocky Mountain, Salem, Stilwell, Titanic, Watts, Wauhillau, Westville, West Peavine and Zion.
Stilwell
City of Stilwell
Mayor: Jean Ann Wright
City Clerk/Treasurer: Larry Nettles
Community Development: Ross Johnson
Media Director: Renee Fite
Human Resources
Director: Cindy Carson
Municipal Works: Dale Dandridge
City Council Members: Debbie Johnson, Lane Kindle, Coye Nettles, Jim Spray and Barrett Harris
Chief of Police: Chad Smith
Fire Chief: Charley Coombes
Sports Facility Manager: Matt Cochran
Adair County Schools
Belfonte Public Schools: 918-427-3522, 918-696-7181
Grades: Pre-K to 8th
Superintendent: Ms. Bobbie Weddle
Belfonte address: 475751 State HWY 101, Muldrow, OK 74948 https://www.belfonte.k12.ok.us
Cave Springs Public Schools: 918-775-2364
Grades: Pre-3 to 12th
Superintendent: C.D. Thompson
High School Principal: Ashley Miller Address: 463423 E. 923 Rd., Bunch, OK 74931
Mailing address: P.O. Box 200 Bunch, OK 74931 https://www.cavesprings.k12.ok.us
Dahlonegah Public Schools: 918-696-7807
Superintendent: Steven Cain Principal: Shawnita Armstrong Address: 468739 E. 878 Rd., Stilwell, OK 74960 https://www.dahlonegah.k12.ok.us
Maryetta Public Schools: 918-696-2285
Grades: Pre-3 to 8th
Superintendent: Lori Means Principal: Carlene Yell Address: 100 Maryetta Rd., Stilwell, OK 74690 https://www.maryetta.k12.ok.us
Peavine Elementary: 918-696-7818
Grades: Pre-3 to 8th
Superintendent: Amanda Long Address: 77943 Hwy-59 N. Stilwell, OK 74960
Mailing address: P.O. Box 389, Stilwell, Oklahoma 74960 https://www.peavinepanthers.net
Rocky Mountain Public School: 918-696-7509
Grades: Pre-3 to 8th
Superintendent: Alicia Ketcher Address: 463355 E 835 Rd., Stilwell, OK 74960 https://www.rockymtn.k12.ok.us
Mayor Jean Ann Wright
Stilwell Public Schools:
918-696-7276
Grades: Pre-K to 12th
Superintendent: Matthew Brunk
High School Principal: Julie Newman
918-696-7001 x2322
Middle School Principal: Jennifer Turman
918-696-7001 x3221
Elementary School Principal: Mike Merrie, 918-696-7001
Address: 1801 W. Locust St. Stilwell, OK https://www.stilwellk12.org
Watts Public Schools: 918-422-5131
Grades: Pre-K to 12th
Superintendent: Thomas Yeager
Principal: Tony Mitchell
Address: 616 6th St, Watts, OK 74964
https://www.wattsschool.com
Westville Public Schools
Grades: Pre-K to 12th
Superintendent: Ryan Swank
High School: 918-723-5644
Principal: Shelly Cooper Junior High: 918-723-3181
Principal: Kevin Yeager
Elementary: 918-723-3351
Principal: Kellie Edwards
Address: 500 W. Chincapin Westville, OK 74965
https://www.westville.k12.ok.us
Zion Public School: 918-696-7866
Grades: Pre-3 to 8th
Superintendent: Clay Yeager
Principal: Stacy Kester
Address: 470658 E. 850 Rd. Stilwell, OK 74690
https://www.zionjets.com
Churches
ASSEMBLY OF GOD: 219 W. Walnut
918-696-6969
BARON BAPTIST: Pastor Scott Latta
918-696-6471
BETHEL FULL GOSPEL: 4 miles S of Stilwell on Hwy 59, Pastor Johnny Byrd, 918-696-3954 or 918-696-7830
BIDDING CREEK BAPTIST: 462931 E 800 Rd, Welling, OK, 918-696-6290
BUNCH BAPTIST CHURCH: 84504 S 4660 Rd, 918-696-2841
BUNCH ASSEMBLY OF GOD: S. 464 Rd
(Bunch Rd) Pastor: Frank Loyd 918-775-2439
CALVARY BAPTIST: Summers, AR, 501824-5748
CALVARY APOSTOLIC TABERNACLE: 714 W. Locust St. (located in Mr B’s shopping center) Pastor Lowell Essex 918-575-4631
CALVARY SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH: 918-696-6886, 920 N. 4th St., Stilwell
CENTRAL BAPTIST: 1803 S 3rd St. 918-696-5985
CHERRY TREE BAPTIST CHURCH: 2015 RR 1, Stilwell, 696-5384
CHRISTIAN WORSHIP CENTER: 471686
Hwy100, Pastor Marty Jones, 918-696-4061
CHUCULATE BAPTIST CHURCH: 8 miles South on Hwy 59 from Stilwell, Pastor Doyle Sanders, 918-575-4283
CHURCH OF CHRIST: Section Line Rd, Hwy 100W, 918-696-5816
CHURCH OF CHRIST FOUR CORNERS: 918-696-5215
DAYSTAR MISSION: 18 W Ash, 918-696-3185
DIOCESE OF TULSA: 23 W. Division St, Rev. David Medina, Spanish Mass Sunday 8:30am, 918-704-7689
ECHOTA BAPTIST CHURCH: Hwy 100 West, 918-696-3784
ELM GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH: N 4768 Rd., Council Hill, 918-474-3238
EMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH: 5 miles
South on Hwy 59, go to Landfill Rd, then 2 miles on right., 918-696-5731
EAST CHURCH OF CHRIST: Section Line Rd Stilwell, 918-696-5816
FAIRFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH: Off Hwy 51 E., P.O. Box 960, Pastor Gary Leach, 918-696-7525, 918-696-6383
FAITH TABERNACLE: 81957 S 4740 Rd 3 miles E Hwy 51, Pastor Charles Crozier 918-696-3579
FELLOWSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH: 100 N. 4700 Rd. Hwy 100, 918-696-5081
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH: 801 W. Hickory, 918-696-3144
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH: 306 N 2nd, 918-696-7241
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: 4 N 3rd St, 918-696 2484
FOURKILLER BAPTIST: 3 miles N on Piney Rd., 918-696-4373
FREE HOLINESS MISSION: 313 W Elm St
FREEDOM CHRISTIAN CENTER: 1111 N. 2nd St, 918-972-8307
GUIDING LIGHT PENTECOSTAL
CHURCH OF GOD: 10 miles S on Hwy 59, 918-696-3579
HONEY HILL CHURCH: N 4748 Rd, Pastor Glen Hopkins, 918-696-4577, www. honeyhillchurch.org
MULBERRY TREE BAPTIST CHURCH: 918-696-2186
NEW LIFE CHURCH: 2 miles on Orchard Rd, Pastor Max Ford, 918-696-2041
NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH: HWY 100 E. & BELL RD, 918-696-4383
OAK GROVE CHURCH: 5 miles E on Hwy 51, 918-507-3584
PEAVINE CHURCH: E. 0778 Rd., 918-696-7173
PENTECOSTAL HOLINESS CHURCH: 102 N 6TH ST, 918-696-5747
PINEY CREEK: 474622 E 788 Rd, Pastor Avery McGee, 918-575-7967
PLEASANT VIEW CHURCH OF CHRIST: 918-696-5816
POWER HOUSE CHURCH: 1/2 mile W on Hwy 51, Pastor Darrell Lacie, 918-696-1765
ROCK FENCE BAPTIST CHURCH: 9 miles S on Hwy 59, East on 923 Rd, go 4.2 m, Pastor Judge Fourkiller, 918-316-7647
ROCK SPRINGS BAPTIST CHURCH: OK-100 , 918-696-3662
ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIBLE CHURCH: 462937 E. 830 Rd., 91-696-2407
SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH: 472891 E 893 Loop, 918-696-7383
SANDERS BAPTIST CHURCH: RR3 Box 1220, 918-696-5744
SEQUOYAH BAPTIST CHURCH: 86443 S 4637 Rd, 918-696-2319
STILWELL INDIAN MISSION UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: E 0820 HWY 51 US 59, 918-696-2319
STILWELL INDIAN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: RR 5 Box 5220, Stilwell
STILWELL LIBERTY BAPTIST: 702 W Walnut St., 918-696-6466
STILWELL SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST
CHURCH: 1225 W. Locust St., 918-696-2768
THE CHURCH OF GOD OF THE APOSTOLIC FAITH: 12888 Centerpoint Church Rd, 918-696-7147
VICTORY SOUTHERN BAPTIST
CHURCH: Highway 51 E. Box 1194, 1/2 Mile East of Highway 59, 918 696-4963
Stilwell history
Stilwell became the county seat around statehood in 1907, when the first governor, Charles Haskell was determined the winner after three elections, according to okhistory. org. The community was founded with the construction of the Kansas City, Pittsburg and Gulf Railway, later renamed Kansas City Southern, which traveled from Missouri to Mexico.
The Boston Mountains were challenging for railroad tracks so Arthur Stilwell brought his through Indian Territory, and the town was incorporated in 1897 and named for Stilwell. B.G. Fletcher moved his hardware store to Stilwell and was the oldest business in Stilwell until a fire burned it down in 2012. Today it is the site of the new downtown Fletcher Park, dedicated in 2020. Stilwell incorporated in 1897, with Rufus Allison serving as the first mayor.
In 2002, Marilyn Hill Russell became the first female mayor and today Jean Ann Wright is mayor.
Education is still a priority if one considers how strong the rural schools are along with Stilwell Public Schools. Cherokee’s first established schools in Indian Territory.
Agriculture was the strength of the economy and Stilwell Canning Company was established in 1942. It became Stilwell Foods in 1974 and today the facility is known as Schwan’s.
Watts
Mayor: John Ford
Vice Mayor: Mary Rose
Address: 220 2nd St., Watts, OK 74964
Phone: 918-422-5924
Board of Trustees: Ethan Chaney, Lisa Fletcher, Deborah DeShane
Chief of Police: Ralph Colantuono
Clerk: Brigitte Beavers
Water Superintendent: Terry Woods
Watts Fire Department: Chief Josh Adams
Town Attorney: Ralph Keen 918-6963355, 205 W Division St. Stilwell
CPA: Kris Kirk 918-723-4181, 216 W. Williams, Westville
Mayor
John Ford
Watts history
Daniel Boone’s youngest son, Captain Nathan Boone, helped survey the area for a military road, according to okhistory.org. Founded in 1838, Watts is the northern most town in Adair County. It was named for John Watts, a Chickamunga Cherokee chief.
The town grew when the Kansas City Southern Railway laid tracks through the area in 1895 and built a switch there, meaning it could switch the engines to another direction on a roundhouse. In 1913 a three story school house was built, replaced by a brick structure in 1924. Frack C. Adair, the first county sheriff and Frank Howard started the first bank, Guarantee Bank. There were two drug stores, a bakery, several hotels and rooming houses, a lumberyard, hardware store and two livery stables and three doctors, A. J. Sands, I. W. Rogers and Ezell W. G. White, who was also a Justice of the Peace.
Westville
Mayor: Adam Mckenzie
Vice Mayor: Chris Noe
Town Clerk: Deneille
Hembree
Fire Chief: Jeremy Hanvey
Interim Police Chief: David Mahler
Emergency Management Director: Billy Ames
Churches
ASSEMBLY OF GOD: Hwy 62 E, Westville, 918-723-3407
BARON CHURCH OF CHRIST: US-59, 918 778-3240
CHRISTIE FREEWILL BAPTIST: Westville, 918-341-5103
CHRISTIE SOUTHERN BAPTIST: Hwy 62, Westville, 918-696-2471
CORNERSTONE BAPTIST: 1 mile S. on Hwy 62, Morris Rd, Westville
CHURCH OF CHRIST: 2nd & Pine, Westville, 918-723-5249
FAITH HOLINESS GRACE POINT OUTREACH CENTER: 75099 US-59, 417-569-7922
FIRST UNITED METHODIST: 900 W Taft, Westville 918-434-3177/918-557-7337
HEAVENLY HOST HOLINESS MINISTRIES: Hilltop acres in Westville Pastor Sue Choate 918-696-9310
IMPACT CHURCH: 918-723-5481
JAYBIRD CHURCH: RR 2 Box 654 , 918723-5450
LANDMARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST: 1 mile E of Westville on Hwy 62, 918-575-2643
MOUNTAIN VIEW FREEWILL BAPTIST: 1 mile E of Westville on Hwy 62
PENTESCOSTAL HOLINESS: Westville, 918-723-5481
NEW BEGINNING HOUSE OF PRAYER: 310 Cherokee St, Westville, Pastor James Dorsey
Mayor
Adam McKinzie
TABERNACLE OF PRAISE: 2/10 mile S of Hwy 59 & 62 Jct on Hwy 59, Westville, 918-723-4930
OLD GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH: 2 miles W of Westville on Hwy 62 Ross Swimmer Rd
WESTVILLE CHURCH OF CHRIST: 706 2ND ST.
WESTVILLE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH: 1254 S. LOCUST AVE, 918-723-5620
WESTVILLE FIRST BAPTIST: Westville, 918-723-5620
WESTVILLE FULL GOSPEL CHURCH: 1 mile W of 4-way, half mile N, Sunday 6 pm, Wednesday 7pm
Westville history
Also established through the railroad system coming though the county, the town was named for James West, whose son was an attorney for the railroad, according to okhistory.org.
The post office was opened in 1895 and A. J Edmonton published the town’s first newspaper in 1898. The first school was
started in 1903. The Buffington Hotel was constructed around 1910 and was the primary hotel for the town and Opera Block was an entertaining center for traveling Vaudeville and Chautaquas.
In 1941 the Griffin Canning company opened, in 1974 Baldor electric began and in 2004 Greenland Composites was established.
Reverend Jesse Bushyhead, a Cherokee religious and political leader helped bring opposing factions together to create the Cherokee Nation, is buried here along with Goingsnake in Westville.
Proctor
Community Center: 463240 US 62; To rent contact board members: Brenda Dodd 918-453-3539; Pam Kindle - 918723-3773; Julie Barnett 918-723-4222; Lisa Luethje 918-410-6648. Post Office: 800 275-8777, 918 723-3101; Hwy. 100 US 62
RESOURCES
City
Stilwell City Hall: 918-696-7919, 20 A. 1st St., Mayor, City Clerk/Treasurer, Code Enforcement/Animal Control, Economic Development, Cemetery plots, Encumbrance, Payroll and Human Resources
Watts City Offices: 918-422-5924, Mayor, City Clerk, Fire Chief, Police Chief, Water Superintendent
Westville Town Hall: 918-723-3988, 221
S. William Street, Town Clerk, Police Department
Counseling
A Healing Path: 918-696-2181
Crescent Clinic: Wellness Center, 918-410-2210
Fundamentals Counseling LLC: 918-723-3735
New Creation Counseling: 479-524-0477
Community Crisis Center: 800-400-0883
Redefineu, LLC: 918-431-0634
OKLA. Systems of Care: 918-775-7787
County
Adair County Courthouse: 918-696-3308, 503 W. Division St., Court Clerk, County Clerk, County Assessor, County Treasurer, County Election Board, County Commissioners, District and Associate District Judge, 911 and OSU Extension Office
Disabilities
Americans With Disabilities: 800-514-0301 Council for Exceptional Children: 888232-7733
KI BOIS Disability Program: 918-647-7264
Oklahoma Able: 800-257-1705
Oklahoma Equipment Connections: 888-885-5588
Oklahoma School for the Blind: 918-781-8200 or 1-877-229-7136
Education
4-H: 918-696-2253
Adult Learning Resource Center: 918-776-0976
Cherokee Nation Child Development Center : 918-696-3222, N. 8th St.
Indian Capitol Technology Center: 918-696-3111, 3320 U.S.-59, Stilwell, OK 74960
KI BOIS Community Headstart: 918-431-1284
Electric vehicle charging station
ChargePoint Charging Station: 888-7584389, 470479 OK-51.
Francis Energy Charging Station: 800489-1588, 802 S. 4th Pl.
Emergency
Adair County EMS: 911 for emergencies. For non emergencies 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday- Friday 918-410-7161, ext 101
Employment
Workforce OK Oklahoma: 918-696-6608
People’s Link Staffing Solutions: 918696-6045
Penmac Staffing: 918-410-9930, 716 S. 2nd St., Stilwell
Fair board
Joe Dugger, District 1, Jimmy Jones, District 2 and Wade Hampton, District 3
FedEx
Stilwell FedEx On-site: 800-463-3339, 317 N. 2nd St.
Fire
Stilwell Fire Department: 918-696-7412, 14 W. Walnut St. Watts Fire Department: 918-422-5221, Josh Adams- Fire Department Chief, 473589 E 638 Rd. Watts
Westville Fire Department: 918-7235101, 778 E0705 Rd.
Rural Fire Departments: Adair County Tri-Community: 918-696-5609, RR 5 Box 1580 Bell: 918-869-4312, 101 W Walnut St. Stilwell
Christie Proctor: 918-723-4005, PO Box 832, Westville, OK 74965
Kirk Mountain: 918-696-4906, R R 5 Box 5080, Stilwell
Mid County: 918-575-0234, RR 2, Nox 127, Westville
Highway 51: 918-696-2100, 1020 N. 2nd St., Stilwell
Highway 100: RR 1 Box 1026
Food & clothing
Adair County Resource Center: 918-696-2484
Adair County Salvation Army: 918-696-4018
Emmanuel Food Pantry: 918-696 5731
First Christian Church: 918-696-241
Jeremiah 29:11 Foundation: 918-575-2844
Hope Center: 918-723-4673
New Creature Ministries: 918-237-0249
Orchard Road Community Outreach: 918-457 7011
Westville Food Pantry: 918-723-5640
Haul, move, ship & tow
4B Land Service LLC (Dozer, Excavation, and Dump Truck): 918-931-0070, S. 4665 Rd.
Alliance Shippers Inc.: 918-778-3435, RR 3 Box 5102, Westville Bruner’s Towing and Recovery: 918-696-3280, 82681 HWY 51
We Haul Moving: 918-207-9231
Hotlines
211 Helpline: 211 Abuse Hotline: 800-722-4996
Alcohol and Drugs Helpline: 800-821-4357
American Red Cross: 800-494-0275
Child and Adult Abuse Hotline: 877-882-5122
DACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse): 877-422-2286
National Suicide Prevention: 800-273-8255
Oklahoma Safeline: 800-522 7233
Poison Control Center: 800-522-4611, 800-222-1222
Help-In-Crisis: 918-696-6865
Safeline/Crisis Hotline: 800-522-7233
Housing
Davidson Heights Senior Living: 918-696-2494
Garden Walk of Stilwell: 918-696-3957
Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation: 918-456-5482, Tahlequah
Stilwell Housing Authority: 918-696-2494
Stilwell Senior Living center: 918-456-5484
UKB Housing: 918-871-2773
Law enforcement
Adair County Sheriff’s Department/Jail: 918-696-2106: 600 S. Paul Mead Rd., Stilwell, OK 74960, Sheriff Jason Ritchie. Cherokee Nation Marshall Service: 918-207-3800, Tahlequah
Oklahoma Highway Patrol: 918-683-3256, Muskogee
Stilwell Police Department: 918-696-2882, 17 S. Second St., Chief of Police Chad Smith, 918-696-2375
United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians Lighthorse Police: 918-871-2811, Tahlequah
Watts Police Department: 918-422-8835, Chief of Police Matt Stilwell: 918-4225924
Westville Police Department: 918-723-5101, 221 Williams Ave., Chief Scotty Mitchell
Library
Stilwell Library: 918-696:7512, 5 N. 6th St. Westville John F. Henderson Library:
Medical
Adair County Health Department: 918-696-7292, 600 W. Hickory St. Memorial Hospital: 918-696-3101; 1401 W. Locust St. Stilwell
NeoHealth Westville Medical Center: 918-723-3997
Physician’s Clinic: 918-696-4064, 1401 W Locust St # 102, Stilwell
Mental health
Addictions/Substance Abuse
Crescent Clinic: Wellness Center: 918-410-2210
Celebrate Recover Saturdays @ Abundant Life Church AA/NA: 918-458-5503
Drug and Alcohol Recovery Program: 918-207-7181
Drug Court Sequoyah Co.: 918-790-2219
Tobacco Helpline: 800-784-8669
Newspaper
Stilwell Democrat Journal: 918-696-2228; 118 N. 2nd St., Stilwell
Nonprofits & other assistance
Adair County Community Ministries: 918- 696-4981; 918-696 2484
Beyond the End of the Trail Cultural Arts District: https://www.beyondthetrail.art/ Catholic Charities: 918-775-6111
Court Appointed Special AdvocatesCASA volunteer to be a voice for children in court - 918-456-8788
Department of Human Services:
918-696-3118
EODD Area Agency on Aging: 918-683-7891
Habitat for Humanity: 918-453-1332
Kiwanis Club of Stilwell: www.strawberrycapital.com
Northeastern Child Care Resource and Referral Agency: 918-453-5300
Oklahoma State University Extension Office: 918-696-2253
People Inc.; 918-696-5536
Salvation Army: 918-696-4918
Stilwell Chamber of Commerce: 918-696-2535
Social Security Administration: 877-575-5195
The Blessing Closet and Be the Village: Highway 59 beside Laundry in Westville, Jenna Sitsler and Nicole McCarter
Parks and refuge
Adair Park, Stilwell
Bell Community Park
Candy Mink Park
Carson Park
Dahlonegah Park
Fletcher Park downtown Stilwell
Keeler Park
Westville City Park
Watts Town Park
Ozark Plateau National Wildlife RefugeWorkman Mountain in Salem; Killer Mountain in Bell, Muskrat Mountain in Cherry Tree, Elm Grove Cemetery in Zion and Step Mountain in Stilwell
Pharmacy
Stilwell Pharmacy: 918-696-2500, 202 S 2nd St.
Walmart Pharmacy: 918-696-3186, 84127 US-59
Phone/internet
OzarksGo (866) 569-2757
Verizon 918-686-3588, 1739 US-59
Walmart Connection Center: 918-696-6628, 84127 US-59
Post office
United States Postal Service: 800-275-8777, 16 S. 2nd St.
Ride
Sooner Ride: 918-404-4500
KATS Transit: 918-696-4787
Sanitation
Stilwell Sanitation Dept. 918-696-7920, W. Walnut St.
Tag
Stilwell Tag Office: 918-696 3841, 115 W. Division St.
Westville Tag Agency: 918-723-3762, 218 Williams Avenue, Westville
Tribal
Bureau Of Indian Affairs: 580-924 8280/ or 800-522 6170
Capital Museum: 918-453-5000
Cherokee Nation: 800-256-0671
Cherokee Nation Complex: 918-696-3124
Cherokee Nation Environmental: 918-453-5444
Cherokee Nation Human Services: 918-453-5422
Cherokee Nation Human Resource: 918-453-5050
Cherokee Nation ICW: 918-458-6900
Oklahome Indian Legal Services: 405-943 6457
Tribal Registration: 918-458-6980
United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians: 918-871-2800
Utilities: gas & water
Ozarks Electric: 800-521-6144, 470479 OK-51.
Stilwell Utilities: 918-696-5084, 925 W Hickory St.
Westville Utility Authority: 918-723-5512
Gas Company: Northeast Oklahoma Public Facilities Authority: 918-456-6268
Stilwell Utilities: 918-696-5084, 925 W. Hickory St.
Cherry Tree Water District: 918-696-2936, 827 W. Locust St.
Rural Water District 2: 918-696-3918, 81173 US-59
Adair County Rural Water District 3: 918-778-3448
Watts Water Utility Department: 918-422 5924
Veterans
American Legion and VFW Post 102: 918-696-3646, Rick Van Syckle 918-575-7965
Westville VFW Post 3698: James Oliver
299-4685
Veteran Crisis Line: 800-273-8255
Cherokee Nation Veteran Center: 800-256-0671
