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The Courage to Welcome: The Fourth Sunday of Advent

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On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the waiting grows quiet, and more demanding. The Church turns its attention not to proclamation or spectacle, but to a single, intimate instruction, delivered in a dream. “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take #Mary your wife into your home.” With those words from the Gospel of Matthew, Advent’s final Sunday shifts the lens from anticipation to action. Joseph stands at the center of this year’s liturgical reading, not as a speaker, but as a listener. #Scripture records no words from him. Instead, it tells of his discernment, his fear, and ultimately his obedience. Faced with circumstances that threatened his reputation, his future, and his understanding of righteousness, Joseph chooses trust rather than retreat. He does exactly what is asked of him. He takes Mary into his home. The Fourth Sunday of Advent has always been a threshold moment. Earlier weeks call believers to prepare the way, to watch, to repent, and to #hope. This final...
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Ottawa County Courthouse

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MIAMI, Oklahoma - December, 2025  For more than a century, the seat of justice in Ottawa County has shifted as the community grew and civic priorities changed. From the earliest courthouse sites downtown to the modern judicial complex today, each iteration reflects a chapter in the county’s history.  In the earliest years after Oklahoma statehood in 1907, Ottawa County’s government operated without a permanent courthouse. County business and court proceedings were conducted in rented downtown spaces until a dedicated building could be constructed.   In 1916, county leaders completed the first purpose-built Ottawa County Courthouse on East Central Avenue, replacing the temporary rented quarters.  The structure quickly became a civic centerpiece for Miami and the expanding county. As the population and administrative needs of the county continued to grow, county officials undertook an extensive expansion and moderni...
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14 Indicted in Eastern Oklahoma Drug Conspiracy; Miami Police Part of Multi-Agency Investigation

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14 Indicted in Eastern Oklahoma Drug Conspiracy; Miami Police Part of Multi-Agency Investigation By Miami News-Digest — Dec. 8, 2025 A sweeping, multi-agency investigation has resulted in federal indictments against 14 people on charges of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine across the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced. The Miami Police Department was one of 13 agencies participating in the operation. The indictments were unsealed Nov. 21 by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The office’s news release provides the indictment details and the list of defendants. Read the full federal press release on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website . Defendants named in the indictment The indictment names the following individuals, who were charged with Drug Conspiracy under Title 21 of the U.S. Code: JERRY LEE GRIST, 66, of At...
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Under the Heavens Is a Full Moon

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By Miami News-Digest Under the Heavens Is a Full Moon Published December 4, 2025 · Faith & Nature The Cold Moon rises, steady and luminous; a reminder that creation keeps its appointed course. Tonight, as dusk settles and the cool breath of evening moves across the land, the full moon rises in its appointed time, steady, luminous, and faithful as it has been since its creation. For many, it is simply a monthly spectacle; for others, it is a reminder of order and of truth: “And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens, and it was so.” The luminarie's radiance carries a quiet authority, a sense of purpose woven into the seasons. Its appearance tonight is no different. It rises in the east with calm brilliance, reflecting a light not its own, set in place to...
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ABOLISH PROPERTY TAX on YOUR HOME

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How Oklahomans Can Get Involved in the Petition Process as State Question 841 Moves Forward By Miami News-Digest Staff MIAMI, Okla. — A petition effort to place State Question 841 , a proposal to phase out property tax on owner-occupied homes, is moving through Oklahoma’s initiative process. The question has sparked debate across the state and generated local concern in Ottawa County about the potential effect on county services and school funding. What is State Question 841 (Just the Facts Ma'am) The petition filed for State Question 841 would phase out ad valorem property taxes on owner-occupied homesteads in stages beginning Jan. 1, 2027 — with a complete elimination by 2029, according to filings reported by local news outlets. ( Oklahoma Voice , WR News ). The petition text estimates a statewide reduction in ad valorem revenue of roughly $400 million in 2027, $800 million in 2028 and $1.2 billion in 2029. ( Oklahoma Voice ). Th...
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Sooner Safe Project launches after Miami FFA warns of storm-shelter shortage

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Sooner Safe Project launches after Miami FFA warns of storm-shelter shortage By Miami News-Digest MIAMI, Okla. — Nov. 20, 2025 Miami — The Sooner Safe Project officially launched Thursday after Miami FFA students raised alarms that the community lacks sufficient public storm shelters, organizers said. Miami Public Schools (MPS) students and project leaders announced plans to visit every school in the district to teach severe-weather safety and distribute emergency “Weather Go Bags” that include a battery-powered weather radio, a flashlight, a whistle, a fleece blanket and a reusable water bottle. "When students are prepared, they don't have to be scared," said Cooper Harrison, one of the Miami FFA students honored by project organizers for his role in presenting the effort. "We want every kid in our district to know where to go and what to take when b...
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Body Recovered Near Cowskin Bridge on Grand Lake; Social Media Claim Names Possible Victim

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Body Recovered Near Cowskin Bridge on Grand Lake; Social Media Claim Names Possible Victim By Miami News-Digest Authorities continue to investigate after a body was recovered earlier this week near the Highway 10 crossing—commonly known as the Cowskin Bridge—at the Elk River arm of Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. The Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) Police led the recovery effort, assisted by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI). Update — Social Media Claim A local woman, Reta Hudson , has publicly stated on social media that the deceased individual recovered from the Cowskin arm is “Roger Griffith.” Hudson identified herself as a family member in her post. As of this publication, however, no official agency has confirmed the identity . GRDA Police and OSBI continue to withhold identifying details pending formal verificatio...
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Body Recovered Near Cowskin Bridge on Grand Lake

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Body Recovered Near Cowskin Bridge on Grand Lake; Investigation Continues By Miami News-Digest Authorities are investigating after a body was recovered this week from the Cowskin arm of Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. The recovery occurred near the Highway 10 crossing—widely known locally as the Cowskin Bridge—north of Grove in Delaware County. GRDA Police led the response, with assistance from the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, local emergency personnel, and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), which has taken part in the ongoing inquiry. Officials have confirmed that the body was removed from the water, but no identifying information has yet been released. Geographical & Hydrological Context The Cowskin Bridge spans the Elk River arm feeding into Grand Lake. This area sits roughly seven miles northeast of Grove. Grand Lake is fed primarily by the Grand (Neosho) River, Spring River, and Elk...
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The Orionids 2025

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The Orionids 2025 By Miami News-Digest October 20, 2025 “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth His handiwork.” — Psalm 19:1 This week, those words will again find quiet echo in the night sky. The Orionid Meteor Shower , a yearly visitation from the remnants of 'Halley’s Comet' , will traverse the heavens on October 21–22 , sending bright streaks of light through the crisp and calm of autumn’s static darkness. Their radiant point appears near the shoulder of Orion the Hunter , that familiar figure whose belt has guided shepherds, sailors, and astronomers alike. From the stillness below, it is a moving reminder of balance and order. Some might call it the choreography of celestial mechanics or the music of the spheres, others, the faithfulness of divine design. In every language, the pattern holds: year after year, they arrive lik...
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TODAY IS THE DAY - Trilingual Epistle to People of Goodwill

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An Epistle on Truth, Reconciliation, and the Light of the Gospel Una Epístola sobre la Verdad, la Reconciliación y la Luz del Evangelio — 真理、和解与福音之光的书信 A pastoral reflection composed in a Catholic spirit of truth, repentance, and charity. Suitable for parish reading and catechesis. (Author: Sunny Mars / Sean Gray) English To the Church of God dwelling in many nations and tongues, and to all who love truth: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Light that shines in the darkness (John 8:12; 1 John 1:5). I write to you not to stir up guilt, but to awaken remembrance and discernment. Truth must not be feared nor hidden beneath the garments of comfort or pride; the truth, though sharp, frees us to repentance and renewal (John 8:32; James 5:16). 1. Of the Misuse of the Holy Name We have heard of voyages that crossed the seas and banners that bore the Cross. Some came seeking trade and knowledge; o...
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Cherokee Nation Opens Sequoyah Hunting Preserve

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Cherokee Nation Opens New Sequoyah Hunting Preserve Facility, Names First Conservation Officer By Miami News-Digest | Oct. 3, 2025  Sequoyah County, Okla. The Cherokee Nation on Friday celebrated the completion of a new office and classroom facility at the Sequoyah Hunting Preserve and announced the hiring of Brek Henry, a Cherokee citizen and former Oklahoma game warden, as the tribe’s first conservation officer. The move comes as the preserve begins its fifth year of controlled deer hunts designed to support conservation, cultural practice and food security for Cherokee families. Education, stewardship and on-the-ground enforcement Tribal officials cut the ribbon on the new building Sept. 26. The single-story facility includes office space for preserve staff and a classroom configured for hunter education, outreach and conservation trainings. Leaders said the classroom will hos...
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Couple Convicted in Embezzlement Scheme

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Pryor Couple Convicted in Embezzlement of Addiction Recovery Charity By Miami News-Digest — September 30, 2025 A Tulsa County jury found Jordan and Vanessa Parker guilty of embezzling charitable donations that had been given to Reckless Saints of Nowhere, a nonprofit the couple operated that provided addiction-recovery placement services. The jury imposed maximum punishments, including prison time and fines. On Sept. 30, 2025, a Tulsa County jury convicted both Jordan and Vanessa Parker of multiple felony counts stemming from their management of Reckless Saints of Nowhere. The jury found each defendant guilty on two counts of embezzlement and one count of engaging in a pattern of criminal offenses. The jury assessed maximum penalties across the counts, resulting in a combined sentence that includes imprisonment and monetary fines. According to court...
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Native American Day: Honoring Oklahoma Tribes and the First Peoples | Miami News-Digest

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Miami News-Digest Native American Day: Honoring Oklahoma Tribes and the First Peoples By Miami News-Digest  |  Published September 26, 2025 Community gathering recognizing Native American Day. (Replace with your photo credit.) Native American Day is a moment for recognition, reflection, and respect. Observed across states and tribal nations throughout the Americas, the day highlights the history, culture, and continuing contributions of Indigenous peoples. Unlike holidays tied to a single historical event, Native American Day is intentionally evergreen: a reminder that the First Peoples remain central to the continent’s story. Roots and recognition Formally recognizing Native peoples through a dedicated day gained traction during the 20th century as tribal leaders and allies sou...
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Honoring the Life of Robert Alexander, A God Fearing Man

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Honoring the Life of Robert Alexander Miami, OK — The community gathers in solemn respect and gratitude following the passing of Robert Alexander , a man whose life was rooted in faith, service to his country, community, and neighbors. He passed away peacefully at his home on September 23, 2025 , at the age of 90. Military Service & Community Commitment A devoted Marine Corps veteran , Robert Alexander carried the values of discipline, loyalty, and sacrifice into every aspect of his life. Local accounts affirm that his time in the Marines deeply informed how he approached all his subsequent roles. Following military service, he turned his attention to law enforcement in Ottawa County . He worked for many years as a Deputy Sheriff and Transport Officer for the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department , and also served with the Picher Police Department . In those capacities, he was more than an enforcer of law and b...
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