Here’s hoping everyone had a safe, enjoyable Independence Day

First off, I am hoping all of you had a enjoyable and safe Independence Day on Monday.

For the first time since I moved to Poteau in the last week of June 2010, my soon-to-be 96-year-old mom was in town visiting me for the Fourth of July as she arrived on June 26 thanks to her chauffeur son. She has always been here just before or after the “big day.”

Because of the time intervals, I was able to take her to the Wister Pride Parade on Monday morning, then to the City of Poteau Fireworks Show that night.

Then, right before I take her back home late Friday afternoon, I’m going to take her to Talimena State Park — which both of us have never gone through — as well as the Bigfoot Museum in Talihina and a bit of sightseeing.

My job doesn’t allow me to spend this much time with her, so I’m taking advantage of the situation.

Beginning with today’s edition, PDN will publish in five editions our “Reader’s Choice” ballot for you to vote on your favorite individual, restaurants and businesses.

The ballot also will publish in next Tuesday’s edition as well as July 21 and 26.

Another PDN promotion will be the 2022 Medical Directory, which will publish as a booklet to be an insert in the July 26 edition.

To get your advertisements/sponsorships in, get with PDN Advertising Representatives Sierra Bishop (advertising@ poteaudailynews.com) or Tabitha Wilcox (twilcox@ poteaudailynews.com) or call them at (918) 6473188.

Also, I plan on reaching out to some individuals to see if they would like to contribute with written pieces to the 2022 Medical Directory. If you are interested submitting a writeup for the 2022 Medical Directory, get with me by telephone at (918) 6473188, Ext. 30 or by e-mail at editor@poteaudailynews.com.

The Poteau Kiwanis Club’s annual “Learn to Swim” program came to a close Thursday morning. All total, 315 lessons were administered by the Twyman Pool lifeguards, and several youngsters ages 5-10 got to learn how to swim.

As Kiwanis Club president, I want to thank the lifeguards, Twyman Pool Manager Katie Mead and all those who participated for making this year’s event successful, despite the opening-day glitches.