Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Jessica Colette Workman
Crafting class honors library retiree for 8 years of service
The John F. Henderson Library in Westville hosted its final crafting class in honor of Karen Dotson, who retired after eight years of dedicated service to the community. The class focused on creating luminary jars for the upcoming Christmas season. Dotson provided jars, with some participants bringing extras to ensure they had enough for everyone. To create luminary jars, participants chose between large and small jars.
Westville Veterans Day program at honors those who serve
The Westville Drama and Choir departments at Westville Public School teamed up to put together a Veterans Day Program to honor those who served. As U.S. President Abraham Lincoln once said, “Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bear the risk and responsibility of defending this beloved nation.” The effort and dedication they poured into the tribute showed their love and respect for those who served or are still serving, observers said.
Westville Chamber hosts Thanksgiving dinner
Thanksgiving came early in Westville, with the Westville community building filling with warmth, laughter and the delicious aroma of a community-cooked meal. The Westville Chamber of Commerce hosted the event, with some help from volunteers or sponsors from Carson Community Bank, LaFerry’s Propane, Arvest Bank, Ozarks Electric, Ozarks Go, Sonic, Quail Ridge Living Center, Roberts and Hart Funeral Home, Glazed Cravings, Integrity Wellness and others. The event was from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nov. 8.
Westville Council sets limitations for fireworks displays
The Town of Westville will allow fireworks within the town limits for Independence Day. Fireworks will be permitted from July 2-6. Cut-off time is 10 p.m. on July 2, 3, 5 and 6, with cutoff for July 4 at midnight. Westville’s Summer Slam is set for Saturday, July 19, and Kasey Maxwell of the Cherokee Nation addressed the Westville Town Council regarding permission to block some roads, including the road from Woods Saddlery Road, for the event.
Westville Town Council discusses summer event
With summer on the way, the Westville Town Council members came together for their monthly meeting. Councilors discussed the idea of having an event on Sunday, June 22. Although a date, time, and place had been established, there was a question as to whether the gazebo would be available.
Crafting colorful at the Westville Library
What do you get when you add a canvas, paint, paint brushes, a pencil, toilet paper rolls, cups of water, white chalk, leaf cutouts, and a distress tool? In the case of Crafting with Karen, these were the key ingredients needed to make dandelions. During the April 29 crafting session, Dotson explained that by adding blue, white, purple, black, and yellow-green colors, when done lightly and in “X” type motions, these colors would combine into a masterpiece.
Westville Loyalty Week starts with block party
The town of Westville came together to celebrate loyalty during its Loyalty Week, starting off with a block party on May 2, and running through Saturday, with the fun happening at Westville Park, Cotton Sloan Road, and downtown. Members of the Westville Chamber of Commerce made sure the park was filled with food, fun, and festivities for kids and adults alike.
Westville Masonic Lodge holds annual Stems and Joes fundraiser
The Westville Masonic Lodge 549 held their annual Stems and Joes Fundraiser April 17, at the John F. Henderson Library. Profits from this fundraiser help the library attract new members for the Friends of the Library, and membership is free for up to one year. While everyone was enjoying the $6 sloppy joes meal – which consisted of sloppy joes, a pickle, a bag of chips, a drink, and a dessert – guests were also invited to look at the vast array of plants provided by Sunshine Nursery in Tahlequah.
Westville Loyalty Day royalty chosen
The Westville Chamber of Commerce and area businesses again came together for the 29th annual 2025 Loyalty Day Pageant, with this year’s theme being "Remember Our Founders." During the April 26 pageant, Miss, Little Miss, and Mr. Loyalty 2024 came out to show their support and help in any way possible. Arvest Bank Manager Brittany Tye, along with Brian and Jenna Sitsler, kept the show running smoothly.
Westville Town Council touches on multiple topics
With summer approaching, the April 7, Westville Town Council meeting focused on upcoming warm evenings and events. The council discussed operations hours for the splash pad, deciding to leave the operational hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., for now, while closely monitoring water usage and cost. Councilor Michael Leach highlighted plans to install 10 more LED streetlights in the eastern part of town by summer to enhance nighttime safety.
Westville School Board abuzz with news
The Monday, March 10 Westville School Board meeting was abuzz with news about the 2025 prom, set for Saturday, April 12, at 8 pm. The principals also mentioned in their reports everything from track season beginning for the 3- and 4-year-olds, and a literary night during the parent-teacher conference. After spring break, there will be Westville’s version of March Madness, wherein classes will be competing against one another.
Community engagement event focuses on safe streets, roads
Citizens of Westville were invited to provide feedback on how to make Westville a safer and much more family-friendly place to live for future generations. The event took place at the John F Henderson Library on Jan.
Westville School Board eyes SUV purchase
Westville School Board and administrators discussed the possible purchase of a new SUV during their Jan. 13 meeting. The existing SUVs are all high mileage, and staff and administrators have concerns regarding reliability for extended trips. Superintendent Ryan Swank officially recognized board members Clay Slayton, Nathan Smith, Josh Barton, Paula Vaughan, and Jeremia Atha. January is School Board Recognition Month, and Principal Kevin Yeager seconded his own appreciation for the board.
Westville breaks ground on new park
A Westville Town Council member, who also serves as market president of Carson Community Bank, said she was excited about the Jan. 16 ground-breaking ceremony for a new downtown park. Standing in the sunshine of a 60-degree day at the Westville Town Square on Williams Street, Stefanie Mitchell described the event as “a monumental moment for the town.” The new park will occupy the space where the Westville Nursing Home once stood.
Westville Bazaar: Traditional event kicks off Christmas season
The Westville Chamber of Commerce held the annual Christmas Bazaar to help everyone get in the mood for the Christmas season. Vendors offered crafts and services to potential customers, and the Westville Community Building was adorned with decorations. Santa dropped by for a quick chat before heading back to the North Pole with Mrs. Claus. The Westville High School Band provided music, and the Christmas Parade this year featured children ages birth-12.
Stilwell B&GC hosts Christmas bazaar
The Stilwell Boys & Girls Club hosted this year's Christmas Bazaar, which highlighted a variety of crafts and unique items for the upcoming holiday season. The event featured clothing, tumblers, a selection of food, and handmade crafts, including earrings, necklaces, woven baskets, wreaths, and a small Christmas tree. “The event was thought of to bring the community together," said Vivian Roberts, one of the vendors.
Westville Town Council discusses safety issues
The last Westville Town Council meeting for 2024 began Dec. 2 with a focus on safety. Westville Mayor Adam McKenzie, along with the rest of the council, proposed replacing streetlights with LED bulbs. While some areas of Westville have already made this transition, the vicinity around Westville Public Schools has not yet been updated.
Baron Fall Festival provides Christmas gift options
With the holidays looming, the Mid-County Community Organization of Baron held its annual Festival at the community building Nov. 2. Vendors displayed unique crafts and enjoyed speaking with people who came to their booths looking for gifts for their loved ones. The Westville Saddle Club brought a classic ring toss game, with prizes awarded. A concession stand was available and there were raffles for a fall basket, a fire pit, and a football party basket.
Veterans Day salute: Westville students honor local service members
Veterans Day is an opportunity to honor the sacrifices made by soldiers, past and present, who work to keep the country and its people safe. Students at Westville Public Schools celebrated this message by creating a program to provide tokens of appreciation for veterans. The program began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Student Council President Samuel Reese. The choir performed the National Anthem, and a prayer was recited by Student Council Chaplain Kasen Whiteley.
Westville Town Council discusses tornado damage
Weather was the main focus of discussion during the Nov. 6 Westville Town Council meeting. Mayor Adam McKenzie asked Westville Officer Judy Morris to address the council about the town's outdoor warning system. He and the rest of the council said they were impressed with Morris’ handling of the storm and subsequent tornadoes, one of which came dangerously close to Westville and hit the Christie community.
Westville community holds Thanksgiving dinner
Approximately 350 people from Westville and the neighboring communities attended the Westville Chamber of Commerce’s annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner Nov. 9. The meal of turkey and dressing, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, and a dessert was described as delicious attendees. A new addition was the Thankful Board, where people could share in writing the things for which they are most thankful.
cooks
Sorry, there are no recent results for popular images.
Westville fest offers fun for whole family
Westville Park was buzzing with excitement for the entire family on Oct. 19, as the Chamber of Commerce sponsored the 10th annual Fall Festival. The event showcased food trucks and craft vendors such as Designs by Deserae, Creative Country Rhodes, and many others. John F. Henderson Library, Joe White Scholarship, and State Farm Insurance had booths to offer information about their services. Adjacent was a knife show, selling and sharpening knives.
Westville Town Council to terminate 911 contract
Adair County Sheriff Jason Ritchie expressed his frustration during the Oct. 7 Westville Town Council meeting with the unresolved issue of the 911 Central Dispatch contract. Ritchie emphasized the system should benefit all of Adair County. He and Westville Fire Chief Jake Johnson agreed to conduct a test on Friday, Oct. 11, between 8:30 and 9 a.m., to see if the system is working at the south end of the county.
Library hosts Pumpkin Canvas craft class
Thoughts of cooler temperatures, bright falling leaves, apple cider, pumpkin spice coffee and, yes, pumpkins in all forms — including pies — are getting people into the autumn mood, providing the motif for Karen Dotson of the John F. Henderson library as she hosted a “Be Thankful” craft class, Sept. 24.
Westville community comes together for Sitsler family
More than 100 people or businesses donated either money or auction items to benefit the Sitsler family, according to organizer April Sallee. Husband and father Brian Sitsler, a Westville teacher, business man and community volunteer was injured in an accident several weeks ago. The auction and benefit were both deemed a success by organizers and donations are still being received. During the Saturday, Sept.
Westville Melon, BBQ Festival touts spirit of community
The Westville City Park came alive Aug. 24 with food, crafts, and services during the sixth Annual Watermelon and Barbecue Festival. The park’s splash pad was operating to keep the kids – and a few adults – cool during the last days of summer. The event was headlined by the Speedy Pig, the store owned by Paul Ummerteskee and his wife, Rachel. Among the activities were horseshoes, a watermelon weigh-in, a watermelon call, a watermelon-eating contest, sliced watermelons, and barbecue tasting.
Westville council discusses emergency protocols
The Westville Town Council this week discussed the town’s emergency management protocols, with city officials agreeing that although progress has been made, more work needs to be done – including adding sirens, a safe room, and a storm shelter. The town has applied for a grant to pay for additional sirens and is waiting for approval. The exact amount of the grant is unknown.
Westville Summer Slam offers family fun
Westville’s Summer Slam 2024 was a delight for the whole family, starting early with a 5K Run/Fun Run July 20. Vendors and crafters offered tasty treats and designer cups, hats, jewelry, freeze-dried candy, and more. John F. Henderson Library Manager Tessa Dubois helped attendees make bookmarks, sign up for library cards, and offered a free book. The splash pad was open, and splashers and their families listened to music being played by D.J. John Cooley.
Westville Town Council approves hiring two officers
Westville officials said testing of the 911 system has not yet begun, and that they are just as frustrated by the lack of progress as everyone else. The Westville Town Council members, along with Mayor Adam McKenzie and City Attorney Ralph Keen, discussed the matter during their recent meeting. Also discussed was the 2024-2025 EMS contract, which expires in June. Councilor Stefanie Mitchell said she wants to raise the rent on the building and keep an ambulance truck available at all times.
Library patrons create kite sled craft
With schools out and summer 2024 around the corner, the John F. Henderson Public Library had a fun and creative way for patrons to enjoy the day with sled kites. Library Manager Tessa Dubois presented the craft for children ages 5 and older Thursday, May 23. Participants used scissors, glue sticks, kite strings, masking tape, crepe paper, a hole punch, pencils, markers, ruler, skewers to provide structure, toilet paper rolls, and Tyvek envelopes to serve as the kite itself.
E 2024_05_30_Stilwell Library hosts foster parent recruitment event
The Cherokee Nation Indian Child Welfare program and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services recently worked together to recruit foster parents. Rick Hensley and Carney Duncan addressed patrons at the Stilwell Library. They said they are available to address any questions or concerns and are committed to assisting potential foster parents. Hensley has a code on his ID card that provides access to the DHS website via cell phone. He urged everyone to spread the word about the initiative.
Westville celebrates 'Loyalty Day'
The town of Westville celebrated its annual 28th annual Loyalty Day on May 4, kicking off the festivities with a downtown block party on May 3. Saturday’s festivities were held at Westville Park, Cotton Sloan Road, and downtown. The day was filled with music, food, and fun activities for children of all ages, and the splash pad officially opened for the summer.
Spring flowers blooming at Westville library
Anyone who has ever wondered what balloons and marbles have in common with painting spring flowers could find the answer at the John F. Henderson Library on April 25. Westville Library Clerk Karen Dotson had her adult attendees create another crafting masterpiece. Dotson and the library provided paper plates, paint, paint brushes and sponge brushes, canvas, hair dryers, pencils, and balloons with a marble inside. Once the balloons were blown up, the pencil was used to design the flowers.
Malorie Meridth crowned Miss Loyalty Queen
Malorie Meridith was crowned Queen during this year's Miss Loyalty pageant, held April 27. The Westville Chamber of Commerce joined forces with local businesses to put on this year's event. Other winners were: first runner-up, Cadi Curtis, and second runner-up, Emmalee Telecky,. Other contestants were Kerryonna Hale and Aaliyah Larson. Little Miss Loyalty winners were: Queen Mackenleigh Ford; second runner-up, Raegan Hanvey; and third runner-up, Erin Hanvey.
Seed Bombs blow up into beautiful flowers
For those who wonder what they can do to make a positive impact on the environment, the John F. Henderson Library came up with a possible solution. Library Manager Tessa Dubois brought in cups, soil, wax paper, water-storing crystals, mushroom compost, and clay to make seed bombs during the April 22 event. This workshop was designed for children ages 5 and older.
Stems and sloppy joe dinners help Westville Library
What do plant stems and sloppy joes have in common with a library? Area residents learned they help fund activities. Westville Masonic Lodge 549 and the Friends of the John F. Henderson Library teamed up to organize a fundraising event April 19, 2024, complete with live entertainment for attendees. During the event, Friends of the Library members announced that anyone interested in joining the group could sign up and pay $10 to cover two years instead of one.
Speedy Pig grand opening
A grant opening was held last week for Speedy Pig, a new Adair County barbecue restaurant. The business, owned by Paul Ummerteskee and his wife, Rachel, was named after a barbecue competition they've held. It is on the corner of U.S. Highway 62 and Piney Road. During the April 13, grand opening, Speedy Pig provided several variations of barbecue.
Solar ovens make yummy treats at Westville Libary
Local residents learned this week that they can use the power of the sun to heat S'mores. John F. Henderson Library Manager Tessa Dubois made a presentation April 11, to demonstrate how it's done. She used empty pizza boxes, glue sticks, aluminum foil, plastic sleeves, black paper, black duct tape, and scissors. She also had a box cutter and some skewers, along with chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows.
NAPA Auto Parts expands Westville store
Westville’s NAPA Auto Parts recently expanded, moving to its own building in Westville. Danny Guinn, a longtime resident of the area with 26 years of experience in the auto parts industry, fulfilled his dream of owning an auto parts store in his community. The store is well-stocked with common automotive needs, but Guinn cautions that some parts may have to be ordered from Oklahoma City and can take up to two days for delivery.
Westville Town Council sets date for Summer Slam
Westville's Summer Slam and a 5K run are scheduled for Saturday, July 20, after the Westville Town Council approved the events. Kasey Maxwell from the Cherokee Nation requested permission from the council during the April 1 meeting to confirm the eventg. She also asked that EMS, the fire department, and police be present. The run will follow the 2023 course. Chamber members Dalana Leach and Melissa Thomas addressed the council regarding a block party on the evening of May 3 to kick off Loyalty Day.
Westville Chamber hosts Easter egg hunt
Westville Chamber of Commerce held its annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 28. The event was held at the Westville Park, and the short, green grass was covered with multicolored plastic eggs containing candy. “There were a few hundred children, family, and friends who quickly picked up 4,800 eggs during the event," said Chamber member Dalana Leach. She said the Chamber looks forward to making next year's event even bigger and better.
My Plate class held at Westville Library
“My Plate” literally shows what's on a dinner plate – food, that is. On March 21, the Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma State University Extension Office, Adair County Health Department District 7, and the John F. Henderson Library presented a “My Plate” class.
Weaving bracelets at the Westville Library
On March 13, a project called "Weaving Bracelets" was held at the John F. Henderson Library, led by Ember Thomas, a library clerk. The project involved using yarn, scissors, straws, tape, brown crafting sticks, and a lot of time and patience. During the class, Thomas demonstrated how to make the bracelets by explaining the process of going "over and under," like tying your shoes.
Bunny Burrow Spring Market and Craft Show
The Stilwell Family Career Community Leaders of America hosted the Bunny Burrow Spring Market and Craft Show at the Stilwell Armory, on March 9 – just in time for Easter 2024. Easter wouldn't be complete without the Easter bunny, who made an appearance and interacted with attendees. Bunny Borrow featured local vendors, as well as vendors from Tahlequah and Kansas, who offered a wide variety of crafts and specialty foods, along with local honey. Concessions were also available.
Lights and glue at the Westville Library
There is always a light at the end of the tunnel – or at least the the potential for one, if a person has paper, coin cell batteries, LED lights, foil tape, and Scotch tape. Tessa Dubois, manager at John F. Henderson Library in Westville, taught children to make “paper circuits” on Feb. 22, 2024. The foil tape acts as a conductor for LED lights, the batteries act as the power source, and Scotch tape secures the lights to the paper. The group used various colored lights to make creative designs.
2024_02_29_ Hot Glue art at Westville Library
Did someone say hot cross buns? No, hot glue guns! On Feb. 26, 2024, John F. Henderson library manager Tessa Dubois organized another fun and exciting craft for kids. This one involved making art using hot glue guns” although younger participants painted rather than working with hot glue. Dubois stayed in the middle of the action, making her own creation, and ensuring the kids stayed as safe and busy as possible.
Gnomes 'spring' to life at Westville library
Every home needs a gnome – or two or three. So Karen Dotson, librarian at John F. Henderson Library, organized a gnome-making class for St. Patrick's Day and Easter, held Feb. 20. Dotson provided all the necessary materials for glamorous gnomes: socks, rice, rhinestones, hot glue guns, crafting glue, scissors, felt, patterns, pompoms, and imitation fur. Attendees enjoyed customizing their gnomes to their likinmg since gnomes, like snowflakes, should never be identical.
E 2024_02_22_Gnomes 'spring' to life at Westville library
Every home needs a gnome – or two or three. So Karen Dotson, librarian at John F. Henderson Library, organized a gnome-making class for St. Patrick's Day and Easter, held Feb. 20. Dotson provided all the necessary materials for glamorous gnomes: socks, rice, rhinestones, hot glue guns, crafting glue, scissors, felt, patterns, pompoms, and imitation fur. Attendees enjoyed customizing their gnomes to their likinmg since gnomes, like snowflakes, should never be identical.
Guests get crafty with origami at Westville library
John F. Henderson library Manager Tessa Dubois held another crafting class this week, focusing on the Japanese art of paper folding or origami. Dubois brought in water, paper, and bone folders to help with creasing the paper, and she also had tape on hand because her project was making origami bookmarks. She helped in any way possible and encouraged participants to make as many origami pieces as they wanted. The next class takes place on Feb.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Jessica Colette
Contact Jessica Colette, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack