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News
September 30, 2022
State health officials urge public to recognize symptoms, seek testing after increase in syphilis cases statewide
By News Staff

Officials with the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) are working to reverse a sharp increase in syphilis infections across the state by encouraging individuals to recognize the symptoms and seek free, confidential testing when needed.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection which can easily be treated with antibiotics. However, symptoms can often be mistaken for common skin irritations. Symptoms usually appear as a painless lesion, a sore that can be misidentified as a pimple, or an ingrown hair or skin irritation that could be mistaken for a rash or dry skin. The sore will eventually heal and go away, but the infection remains and can still be passed on without proper treatment.

“It‚s vitally important that people understand the signs and symptoms of syphilis,” said Terrainia Harris, director of the OSDH Sexual Health and Harm Reduction Service. “Treatment can cure the infection, but it can‚t undo the damage that has already been done. We need to ensure that people get tested and receive treatment quickly.”

Testing is important, especially for those who are or may become pregnant. The infection can pass to an unborn baby, known as congenital syphilis, which can result in neurological and developmental problems, blindness, deafness, seizures, low birth weight and even stillbirth.

Left untreated, syphilis in adults can cause blindness, severe neurological damage, bone damage and even death.

Testing for syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be done free and confidentially at any county health department.

Health officials encourage all sexually active individuals to get tested for STIs at least once. Those who are at higher risk of infection – those not in monogamous relationships, have multiple sexual partners or engage in higher risk behavior should test more frequently.

The CDC reports congenital syphilis continues to be a consequence of the U.S. syphilis epidemic. In 2021, over 2,600 cases of congenital syphilis were reported. Those at higher risk for a syphilis infection include young people ages 15-24, gay and bisexual men, pregnant people and racial and ethnic minority groups.

More information can be found at oklahoma. gov/health/syphilis.

In addition to free STI testing at county health departments, the Oklahoma HIV and Hepatitis Planning Council have created a program that allows Oklahoma residents to order free condoms online at endinghivoklahoma.org.

Reliving history
A: Main, Main...
Reliving history
March 30, 2023
Larry Crowe provided a sneak preview Wednesday of his Big Toy Museum, located in Sallisaw's old middle school. The tour of the remodeled school was a trip down Memory Lane for many who were students w...
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New football coach expects Diamonds to return to ‘elite 4A program’
A: Main, Main...
New football coach expects Diamonds to return to ‘elite 4A program’
By Lynn Adams Staff Writer 
March 30, 2023
If history does, indeed, repeat itself and new Sallisaw football coach Brandon Tyler replicates the success he enjoyed at Vian and Gore, then go ahead and make hotel reservations for the Class 4A stat...
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Vian Superintendent’s resignation accepted
A: Main, Main...
Vian Superintendent’s resignation accepted
Along with business manager’s in special meeting
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
March 30, 2023
Vian Public School Superintendent Victor Salcedo and Business Manager Ed Brockman’s resignations were accepted by the Vian Board of Education on March 29, during a special meeting. After going into an...
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Man reportedly exposes himself
A: Main, Main...
Man reportedly exposes himself
Between Walmart and bank
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
March 30, 2023
A Sayre man is facing a felony charge of indecent exposure after he reportedly exposed himself earlier this month in Sallisaw. Wilbur C. Poindexter, 65, was formally charged on March 10 in Sequoyah Co...
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Board of Education, Municipal Election is Tuesday
A: Main, Main...
Board of Education, Municipal Election is Tuesday
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
March 30, 2023
Sequoyah County voters will go to the polls to decide who will represent area schools and towns in the Board of Education General Election and Municipal General Election on Tuesday, April 4. Scott Cha...
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City inmate allegedly overdoses on fentanyl
A: Main, Main...
City inmate allegedly overdoses on fentanyl
Administered five does of Narcan
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
March 30, 2023
A Sallisaw woman is charged with a felony count of bringing contraband into jail, specifically fentanyl, after she allegedly overdosed on the substance while incarcerated in the Sallisaw City Jail. Cr...
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Editor Picks
J.P. Wickett Memorial Junior Rodeo set for April 1-2
A: Main, Main...
J.P. Wickett Memorial Junior Rodeo set for April 1-2
March 30, 2023
The 2023 John Perry Wickett Memorial Junior Rodeo will be held Saturday and Sunday, April 1-2, at the Sallisaw Rodeo Grounds. Sponsored by the Sallisaw Round-Up Club, All-Around buckles will be presen...
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Easy spring fixings
Lifestyle
A Few of My Favorite Things
Easy spring fixings
March 30, 2023
We are finally into spring! The trees are blooming and the flowers are growing. If you have tulips, daffodils or hyacinth, you may already have blooms but most certainly have buds if nothing else. It ...
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Pirates blank McCurtain
Sports
Pirates blank McCurtain
March 30, 2023
Gore’s Gunner Dozier makes a catch during the Pirates’ home game against McCurtain Monday. The Pirates (8-2 overall), who started play in the Dewar Invitational Gumbo Classic Thursday, defeated McCurt...
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Sequoyah County sports calendar
Sports
Sequoyah County sports calendar
March 30, 2023
All schedules are subject to change. FRIDAY, MARCH 31 •Roland, Central, Gore and Webbers Falls track and field teams at Okemah (To Be Announced) •Vian track and field teams at Chelsea (9:30 a.m.) •Sal...
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Fishing Report for March 29
Sports
Fishing Report for March 29
March 30, 2023
LOWER ILLINOIS: March 24. Elevation is normal, water temperature 50°F and clear. Brown and rainbow trout fair on in-line spinnerbaits, midges, nymphs, PowerBait, and worms below the dam. Comments: Fis...
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