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news
August 26, 2025
Jack C. Montgomery 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 (CHIPIN) 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 earlymorning, 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.

Muldrow Cruise Night gives back
Main, news
Muldrow Cruise Night gives back
August 26, 2025
Organizers with the recent Muldrow Cruise Night donated $250 to the fifth graders at Muldrow Middle School to purchase school supplies needed for the 2025- 26 school year.
Main, news
Roland School Board approves contracts, hires new staff
Contract approved for School Resource Officer
By AMIE CATO-REMER EDITOR 
August 26, 2025
The Roland Board of Education met in regular session on August 11, where members approved a wide range of contracts, staffing measures and financial matters as the district prepared for the start of t...
Curtis set for Wednesday court docket
Main, news
Curtis set for Wednesday court docket
Charged with possession of anime juvenile pornography
By AMIE CATO-REMER EDITOR 
August 26, 2025
A Muldrow man is charged with possessing juvenile pornography after a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led to his arrest. William J. Curtis, 31, was formally charged on ...
Smithson steps up after Slaughter resigns from 911 post
Main, news
Smithson steps up after Slaughter resigns from 911 post
By LYNN ADAMS SPECIAL TO THE REGISTER 
August 26, 2025
Longtime Sequoyah County 911 director David Slaughter has resigned his position after 15 years serving the county. Greg Smithson, who retired from the Fort Smith Police Department after more than 21 y...
County jury convicts Muldrow man of caretaker abuse
Main, news
County jury convicts Muldrow man of caretaker abuse
Of two non-verbal dementia patients; Seward’s sentencing set for November
By AMIE CATO-REMER EDITOR 
August 26, 2025
A Sequoyah County jury has convicted a Muldrow man of two counts of abuse by caretaker for crimes committed against two elderly dementia patients at a local nursing facility. Robert P. Seward, 25, was...
news
Legacy of Cherokee art explored in exhibit
August 26, 2025
Explore the evolution of Cherokee artistic creation in a new exhibit at the Cherokee National History Museum. “Since the First Fire: The Living Legacy of Cherokee Art” is now open and runs through Mar...
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Editor Picks
T-shirts now available for The Gathering on Polecat Creek
news
T-shirts now available for The Gathering on Polecat Creek
August 26, 2025
This year’s official Tshirt for The Gathering on Polecat Creek 2025 are now on sale in sizes small through 4XL, for $20 each. The event is set to take place on Saturday, September 13, in Belfonte. The...
news
Free Tai Chi classes for older adults
August 26, 2025
In an effort to promote health and wellness among older adults, the Eastern Oklahoma Development District’s (EODD) Area Agency on Aging, in collaboration with the Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative, is...
Vacation finale
Commentary
Vacation finale
By YES & KNOW Editor Amie Cato-Remer 
August 26, 2025
Getting home wasn’t as easy as I thought it’d be. Storms were on the horizon and flights were already getting cancelled. My daughter Sydney’s friend, Deidra, and her family left the airport with no is...
Joy Thorp receives memorial award
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Joy Thorp receives memorial award
August 26, 2025
District Attorney Matt Ballard’s first assistant district attorney, Joy Thorp, received the Mitch Sperry Memorial Award for Outstanding Prosecutor in July. Thorp received the prestigious recognition b...
Letters
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Letters
Youth Baseball has great season
August 26, 2025
Dear Editor, Muldrow Youth Baseball League had another good baseball season. This year, our success was due to strong community support over the year. We would like to thank the many businesses throug...
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