Paradise Fire Chief charged with embezzlement

news

January 10, 2024

Justin Lee Wells, 41, Checotah, has been charged with embezzling public money.

A warrant has been issued for the suspect’s arrest.

McIntosh County Sheriff ’s Department Investigator Dalton Thomas said a Ford F250 that allegedly belonged to the fire department was sold for $500.

Thomas said the sale was not approved by the board.

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Eufaula Memorial Library

July 2, 2025

A llama and a youngster got acquainted at a petting zoo at the Eufaula Memorial Library Wednesday, June 25. Dozens of kids and adults enjoyed the llama, goats, donkey and other animals, provided by Ma...

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Eufaula hosting July 4 Celebration

July 2, 2025

Mayor James Hickman and the City of Eufaula are honored to invite residents and visitors to the annual Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration on Friday, July 4. The fireworks will begin shortly after su...

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A legacy lives on

By LaDonna Rhodes Staff Writer

July 2, 2025

Selby Minner’s Celebration of Life on Saturday at the Checotah Performing Arts Center was a beautiful 3-hour-long tribute to an amazing soul who loved the blues and more importantly, loved people. As ...

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Lightning strike kills Eufaula woman in cemetery

By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR

July 2, 2025

A 57-year-old Eufaula woman was killed by lightning during a routine stroll through a cemetery Friday evening. Joy Ann Rogers was walking through Greenwood cemetery shortly before 7 p.m. when a thunde...

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Native American Arts & Crafts show Saturday

July 2, 2025

Eufaula Indian Community will host an Arts and Crafts show and sale Saturday, July 5 at the IEC Center, 800 Birkes Road, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to this event, a chair volleyball tournament...

news

Olivia Shackelford honored with 2025 Youth Prevention Award

July 2, 2025

On June 5, local student Olivia Shackelford of Eufaula was recognized as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Youth Prevention Award in Oklahoma City at the Heartland Conference. This past week Olivi...

news

Family, friends and fans bid farewell to Blues legend

By LENORE BECHTEL

July 2, 2025

Her casket rested below center stage at the Checotah Performing Arts Center, open for friends, fans, and family to view her precious body before her life’s celebration began. No one lingered long. Tha...

commentary

Another busy week in the district

By REP. TIM TURNER

July 2, 2025

I started last Saturday June 21, bright and early at Stigler Reunion Days. I kicked things off at the Haskell County GOP Tent, answering questions and catching up with friends and supporters. Then I h...

commentary

Killing them with kindness

July 2, 2025

What a month it’s been for me personally and in our close-knit communities. Trying to cope with the loss of loved ones has been extremely difficult and downright demanding. Yet having to come to terms...

commentary

‘Big Beautiful Bill’ overhauled in Senate, would cause even more government borrowing

By JOE DORMAN OICA CEO

July 2, 2025

OKLAHOMA CITY – Over the past month, I have highlighted portions of the federal “Big Beautiful Bill” as passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Currently, the bill is under consideration by the U...

commentary

Hays Supports MOHA Executive Order

July 2, 2025

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Neil Hays, R-Muskogee, today expressed strong support for Gov. Kevin Stitt’s new “Make Oklahoma Healthy Again” (MOHA) executive order, which targets artificial food additives and ...