Purcell dentist Dr. Glenn Mead was honored as the Citizen of the Year at the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Banquet last Thursday. Dr. Mead has been a member of Purcell Lion’s Club for 45 years, helped run the scoreboard at Purcell High School football home games for over 30 years, served 12 years on the Purcell Municipal Hospital Board, serves on the Mission of Mercy Dental Program – which gives free dental work throughout Oklahoma, chairman of the McClain County Democratic Party for many years, is a Mason and has helped improve Purcell’s drinking water.

The Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, from left, include John Sanders, Ryan Smith, Brett Duke, Andrew McClung (filling in for Morgan McClung), James Bolling, Sherri Sheehy, Greg Wheat, Rebekah Lynam, Makayan Carrizales, Jace Woodrow and Clint Tharp.

Purcell Walmart manager John Sanders was honored as the Business Person of the Year at the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Banquet last Thursday. He is pictured with Chamber President Greg Wheat.

Wilson-Little Funeral Home was honored as the Business of the Year at the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Banquet last Thursday. Pictured, from left, are Chamber President Greg Wheat, Madisyn Tolle, Amy Tolle, Mike Tolle and Matthew Witten.

Purcell assistant Police Chief James Bolling was honored as the Government Person of the Year at the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Banquet last Thursday. He is pictured with Chamber President Greg Wheat.

Purcell Mayor Graham Fishburn made a proclamation at the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Banquet last Thursday to commemorate the Chamber’s 130th year of existence.

Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Elisabeth Baker (far left) was honored by past president Rebekah Lynam and current president Greg Wheat for five years of leadership of the Chamber at the annual banquet last Thursday.

Purcell resident Pat Martin was honored as the Volunteer of the Year at the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Banquet last Thursday. She is pictured with Chamber President Greg Wheat.

Purcell teacher David Hilger was honored as the Purcell Educator of the Year at the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Banquet last Thursday. He is pictured with Chamber President Greg Wheat.

Lexington teacher Marci Bean was honored as the Lexington Educator of the Year at the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Banquet last Thursday. She is pictured with Chamber President Greg Wheat.

Wayne teacher Rachel Cash was honored as the Wayne Educator of the Year at the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Banquet last Thursday. She is pictured with Chamber President Greg Wheat.

Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce President Greg Wheat and incoming president Melissa Pruitt presented awards to (from left) Gracie Pruitt, Jennifer Velasco-Comayagua, Katy Keith and Carter Goldston at the Purcell High School 2024 Awards Ceremony. These students became the first ever junior board members with the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce.