logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinions
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Public Notices
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinions
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Public Notices
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
Tales of a small town
Opinions
July 12, 2023
Tales of a small town

In a small town it often seems that everybody knows everybody so why tell your story because most already know it. However, that’s not really true. Most people may not know the whole story and to me telling those tales of a small town always make the best stories.

Sometimes it’s hard to write about every story I hear about, but I promise you, it’s impossible to write the stories I know nothing about. That’s why I love hearing from and writing about local people in our small town who have interesting talents, experiences, or accomplishments. Sometimes they don’t think it is a big deal but when you share those stories they end up being a big deal to others.

I’ve loved so many stories over the years, like Don Johnson who shared his God-given carving ability and made some of the most unique wood carvings from church pews that I’ve ever seen.

Or maybe they were heartbreaking stories like Christy Andrews who lost her son Dustin to addiction. My heart ached as she told me about her sweet baby boy who loved so deeply but couldn’t shake his drug demons. That story was hard on me as a mom but much needed to remind everyone to keep fighting the good fight of faith and believe there is hope and healing.

No matter the tale, it always pulls your heartstrings or gives you insight into that person’s real life. It’s sharing your story in your corner of the world with the people who care the most about you, your small town community.

This is why I love a small town and I love telling tales of a small town, not in a gossipy way, but in an in depth way so my readers may be a little more enlightened, inspired and engaged with everyone in our community.

We have a lot of interesting and caring people in Checotah and that’s what makes us a great community. So, if you would like to share your story and tell your tale of a small town, call me or better yet, come by and tell me your story. I promise you won’t regret it.

Reindeer lands in Kiwanis Park
news
Reindeer lands in Kiwanis Park
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
December 24, 2025
Families gathered at Kiwanis Park on Thursday, Dec. 18, to celebrate the holiday season with festive cheer and a cup of Christmas cheer. The Eufaula Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Hot Chocolate...
The newest dog at the Eufaula pound is a real sweetheart and all he wants for Christmas is a fur-ever home with YOU
news
The newest dog at the Eufaula pound is a real sweetheart and all he wants for Christmas is a fur-ever home with YOU
December 24, 2025
The newest dog at the Eufaula pound is a real sweetheart and all he wants for Christmas is a fur-ever home with YOU. Paws N Claws is also looking for sponsors for his $85 adoption fee and spay/neuter ...
God’s Helping Hands provides Christmas meals for hundreds
news
God’s Helping Hands provides Christmas meals for hundreds
December 24, 2025
For 25 years, God’s Helping Hands has been feeding hundreds of needy families during the Christmas season. “God’s Helping hands began 26 years ago,” said Director Richard Mc-Cool. “But we didn’t do it...
Eufaula decks the hall for inaugural holiday home tour
news
Eufaula decks the hall for inaugural holiday home tour
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
December 24, 2025
The Lake Eufaula Association (LEA) celebrated a successful launch of its first-ever Christmas Home Tour on Thursday, Dec. 11, drawing close to a reported 100 participants for a festive afternoon explo...
Christmases past and present
commentary
Christmases past and present
December 24, 2025
Christmas always brings a flood of emotions every year as I try to navigate all the changes of my Christmases past to my Christmas present. For so many years I had my whole family beside me each Chris...
May your season be bright and joyous
commentary
May your season be bright and joyous
By JOE DORMAN OICA CEO 
December 24, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – I hope each of you is looking forward to the upcoming Christmas break and will have time to spend with loved ones. As a Christian, Christmas is one of my favorite holidays and is a ver...
ePaper
google_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Legislative Year One wrapping up
commentary
Legislative Year One wrapping up
By REP. TIM TURNER 
December 24, 2025
It’s the end of my first year in office representing District 15. It’s been very interesting to say the least. I wouldn’t trade this time for anything. In addition to helping with numerous constituent...
Dan Kirby conviction of involuntary manslaughter charge overturned
news
Dan Kirby conviction of involuntary manslaughter charge overturned
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
December 24, 2025
In March 2023, former Eufaula City Councilman Dan Kirby was indicted in federal court for involuntary manslaughter in Indian Country in connection with a motorcycle accident on July 23, 2022 that clai...
news
Navigating power and technology breakdowns
By GLEN MULREADY OKLAHOMA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER 
December 24, 2025
In December 2007, Oklahoma experienced one of the most devastating ice storms in its history. The storm caused at least $200 million in damage statewide, and at the peak of the event, more than 641,00...
commentary
Bah Humbug to shame: Change the labels that haunt Christmas
December 24, 2025
Christmas week has arrived, and for many, it’s not always merry. While the season shines with joy and light, it can also stir painful memories— old regrets, lingering shame, and labels we wish we coul...
commentary
God’s divine interruption
By REV. THERESE STARR 
December 24, 2025
I have a little refrigerator magnet that says, “We plan; God laughs.” It’s a constant (and much needed) reminder that my own plans for my day, my week or even my life are not the final word as far as ...
Facebook

THE EUFAULA INDIAN JOURNAL
100 N. 2nd Street
Eufaula, OK 74432

(918) 689-2191

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 THE EUFAULA INDIAN JOURNAL

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy