logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinions
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinions
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
Blue Mentality to compete in National FFA talent competition
A: Main, news
September 18, 2024
Blue Mentality to compete in National FFA talent competition
By STACIE BOSTON SENIOR MULTIMEDIA REPORTER CHEROKEE PHOENIX

(Courtesy of Cherokee Phoenix)

The lives of three Cherokee boys from Eufaula changed after they were named the Oklahoma State FFA Talent Show winners this past May.

In a competition voted on by their peers, the group won first place in front of an estimated crowd of 14,000 people during the 98th Oklahoma State FFA Convention and Expo in Tulsa.

“Winning the state competition overall, there’s not really words to describe that,” Cherokee Nation citizen Tucker Leathers said. “It was just a roller coaster of emotions that, to be honest, I would love to do again every day for the rest of my life.”

The trio of Cherokee Nation citizens came together as the country music band Blue Mentality to compete in the competition. The lineup consists of Tyse Buck on lead vocals, piano and rhythm guitar; Tucker Leathers on lead guitar and backup vocals; and Turner Pitts on drums.

After we won it (the competition), we’re really trying to take it (the band) places,” Pitts said. “Playing different venues and putting on a show for people is awesome. It’s re- ally fun.”

The group won as the Eufaula FFA Chapter, but due to Leathers graduating and Buck changing schools, they will represent as the Oklahoma FFA Chapter during the National FFA Talent Competition at the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana in late-October.

Since winning state, the group has performed at various locations in Eufaula to help raise funds to attend nationals, which Buck said he and his band mates are excited for.

“This fall nationals will be … in front of, I believe, 35,000 people. It will be a huge event, lots of FFA members from across the country,” Buck said. “We’re just going to go up there and give it our all.”

Various local establishments in Eufaula have donated their venues to help the band fundraise. One of the venues is Xtreme Resort, which has hosted country acts such as Gretchen Wilson at the resort’s amphitheater.

“I’d just like to thank Ron and Mary (Henry) for letting us come out here and giving us a venue to help fundraise to go to nationals,” Pitts said.

Leathers echoed that sentiment and added that performing locally is a way for the band to give back to those locally who continue to show support.

“The support of our town, the support of the people who come out and watch us – they tip us great and every bit of that goes straight to our fund to go to nationals,” Leathers said. “So being here tonight in Eufaula and providing a show for the town of Eufaula, it really just means to me that we’re really staying within our community, the people who first actually started to support us in the beginning.”

For upcoming shows or to donate towards Blue Mentality’s trip to nationals, find the band on Facebook or Instagram.

“A good way to help us get to the nationals is to come and support,” Pitts said.

Braving the festival, honoring a friend
A: Main, news
Braving the festival, honoring a friend
By LENORE BECHTEL 
September 3, 2025
Every Labor Day weekend since moving to Oklahoma, I thought about going to the Dusk to Dawn Blues Festival. But the idea of a yard party running from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. was intimidating—and I could neve...
A: Main, news
Man injured diving into shallow water
September 3, 2025
A 22-year-old Yukon man was injured when he dove from a pontoon boat into shallow water at Lake Eufaula, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Patrick Tanner reportedly stopped his vessel to swim ...
A: Main, news
Man found dead in yard; possible suspect investigated
September 3, 2025
WARNER – Warner Police responded to a call early Saturday morning about a dead man laying outside of a residence in the area of Fifth and Third streets. The deceased has been identified as 51-year-old...
A: Main, news
Wellness Day for seniors Sept. 16
September 3, 2025
Heritage Home Care’s fifth annual Senior Wellness Day will be held Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 126 N. 1st St. (now Bridges Street), which is the former location of Family Dollar. The e...
A: Main, news
Looking ahead: Firm to help guide the way
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 3, 2025
What will Eufaula look like in 50 years? Without a plan, it’s anybody’s guess. But the City Council has taken steps to remove at least some of the guesswork. At a special meeting Friday, Aug. 29, the ...
Wine and Art Festival extravaganza Saturday
A: Main, news
Wine and Art Festival extravaganza Saturday
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 3, 2025
What: Vision Eufaula Wine & Art Festival When: Saturday Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: 150 N. Front St. Information: 405-248-2992 or visit visioneufaula.org The fourth annual Wine and Art Festival ...
ePaper
google_play
app_store
Editor Picks
5 in race for state school superintendent
news
5 in race for state school superintendent
By Jennifer Palmer Oklahoma Watch 
September 3, 2025
So far, five candidates are running to lead Oklahoma’s public education system as state superintendent in 2026. Former Tulsa school board members Jennettie Marshall, a Democrat, and Jerry Griffin, an ...
DOC Director stepping down
news
DOC Director stepping down
By KEATON ROSS OKLAHOMA WATCH 
September 3, 2025
Oklahoma Department of Corrections Director Steven Harpe, one of the highest paid officials in state government, will step down on Sept. 30 to take a private sector job. “I’m extremely proud of my tim...
news
Class of ’65 reunion set for Sept. 12
September 3, 2025
Graduates of the Eufaula High School Class of 1965 will get together from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept 12, at the Legacy on Main Street, 224 N. Main St. Graduates of the classes of ’64 and ’66 are...
A site out of this world
news
A site out of this world
By MIKE BARNES 
September 3, 2025
In Eufaula, a town where gossip can outpace the mail, a story is slowly gaining momentum. It isn’t about the latest fishing tournament or Friday night football, but about a cosmic visitor called 3I/ A...
Rest, reflections, and farewells
commentary
Rest, reflections, and farewells
By JOE DORMAN OICA CEO 
September 3, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – I hope your Labor Day weekend was full of relaxation. I schedule a vacation each year with friends to get away over this holiday which allows me to “charge up the batteries” for upcomi...
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