The lasting influence of educators often shapes students' lives, a sentiment echoed by many. Coach Jerry Bailey, a beloved high school football coach and teacher, embodied this ideal, serving not only as a mentor but also as a friend and confidant to his students. His tragic murder in 1976 marked a dark chapter in the community of Sapulpa, Oklahoma. The true crime documentary series "Murder Under the Friday Night Lights" highlights this unsettling event, showcasing how a heinous crime can disrupt the unity of a small town, which was typically brought together by high school football games.

On January 22, 1976, the day began like any other for the Bailey family. Coach Jerry Bailey left home with his son Guy to teach at Sapulpa High School. After a brief interaction with Coach Reagor, the two coaches left campus together, sparking concern when they failed to return. As the hours passed, a series of alarming events unfolded, leading to the discovery of Bailey’s body in the trunk of Reagor's car, alongside evidence of a violent attack. Meanwhile, Reagor was found in a concerning state at a nearby farmhouse, leading to an investigation that would shake the community to its core and forever change the lives of those who knew Coach Bailey.

Tiff takes on the journey the city of Supulpa took, coming to grips when one of their own was ripped from their lives. This is part 1 the Sapulpa Coach Tragedy.

Sources:

“Murder Under the Friday Night Lights: Guilt Will Get You” by Investigation Discovery

Tulsa World: 2018 ; 2025

“Because of the Hate” by Kirk McCracken

Wikipedia

“Things that go ‘Bump’ in the night, Really shouldn’t give one a fright”. This famous quote from author Spike Milligan clearly was not familiar with the house in Eldorado, OK nicknamed the “Leave or Die House”.

Jess’s kooky and spooky tale takes us to the far southwest tip of Oklahoma. The account of the Solis Family's experience in their Eldorado Home begins with a disturbing message found on the side of the house: "Leave or die." Initially dismissed as a prank, the family soon faced a series of unsettling events. The house, once a Missionary Baptist Church established in 1906, had a history of frequent ownership changes, often involving short stays by families and renters. The Solis Family, who moved in with hopes of renovating it for retirement, encountered alarming phenomena, including the illness and death of their pet dog, and unexplained occurrences such as flying insects vanishing, strange growls, and sightings of shadowy figures.

As the family's distress grew, they sought help from the Oklahoma Paranormal Research & Investigation (OKPRI), which documented high electromagnetic fields and recorded disturbing voices during their investigation. An investigator experienced a severe spiritual attack while at the house, leading to the involvement of a renowned demonologist for a cleansing ceremony. Despite these efforts, the family continued to face troubling disturbances, ultimately deciding to sell the home and leave behind the haunting legacy of what was once a church now overrun by sinister forces.

This week’s chilling tale serves as a reminder of the thin line between the sacred and the profane, leaving many to ponder what truly resides within the walls of the "Leave Now or Die" house.

Sources:

Ghosts and Legends of Oklahoma by Mike Ricksecker

The Eldorado House - OKPRI

News Channel 9

News9

News Channel 6

OHS

Being the height of cold and flu season here in Oklahoma, Tiff thought she’d bring a little history lesson on one of the world’s deadliest flu pandemics…The 1918 Flu Epidemic…aka The Spanish Flu.

The 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, which spanned from 1918 to 1920, was one of the deadliest pandemics in history, infecting an estimated 500 million people or one-third of the global population. It was caused by the H1N1 subtype of the influenza A virus and emerged during the final stages of World War I. The pandemic's initial case in the U.S. was recorded in Kansas in March 1918, leading to widespread illness and death, with fatalities estimated between 17 million and 100 million worldwide. The Spanish Flu notably targeted young adults, contrasting with typical flu patterns that primarily affect the very young and elderly. Its name derived from the fact that neutral Spain reported the outbreak extensively, giving a false impression that it originated there. Public health responses included social distancing, quarantines, face masks, and the closure of schools and public gatherings, which were largely implemented too late to prevent significant spread.

In Oklahoma, the flu arrived with the second wave in September 1918, leaving residents unprepared and unaware of its severity. The first case was diagnosed in Tulsa, leading to the establishment of emergency hospitals as cases surged. Health officials struggled to respond efficiently due to a lack of communication and personnel, resulting in high mortality rates, particularly among the Choctaw Nation and young adults. The Red Cross played a crucial role in providing care and resources as local authorities enacted quarantines and closed public spaces to curb the outbreak. By late October, the situation improved as coordinated efforts led to better treatment and the establishment of temporary hospitals. Ultimately, the pandemic resulted in approximately 100,000 cases and 7,500 deaths in Oklahoma, significantly impacting the state's economy and its healthcare system.

So buckle up, buttercups. This will be bumpy…but don’t forget your hand sanitizer and tissue…we don’t want to spread any germs to our cousins!

Sources:

• State of Oklahoma

• The Choctaw Nation

• Metropolitan Library System

• The Great Pandemic of 1918

• Oklahoma State University

• Wikipedia