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Night to Shine warms hearts on chilly evening
A: Main
February 12, 2025
Night to Shine warms hearts on chilly evening
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR,

The clouds were gray and the weather chilly at the start of the 6th annual Night to Shine gala in downtown Eufaula Friday evening.

But the smiles of those who stepped out of stretch limousines onto a red carpet and walked down a line of cheering volunteer paparazzi into Eufaula Community Culture Church were enough to warm everyone’s hearts. “I love this so much,” said volunteer Nick McKinney. “I love that so many people come together and volunteer for this event. Our goal is to have the whole city lined with people cheering.”

They didn’t make it this year, perhaps because of the weather or maybe an important basketball game.

But there is always next year.

This year there was enough of a crowd to generate memorable excitement for those who are honored with the red carpet, photos, a dance and crowning of royalty.

All of the participants are treated like royalty, like they are the most important thing in the world and most look forward to it every year.

Each is crowned king or queen at the end of their pro Night to Shine is a concept created by former football star Tim Tebow.

The Tim Tebow Foundation started the Night to Shine in 2015 to celebrate those with special needs and to give dignity to people who are often overlooked.

Since then, the event has occurred every year, celebrating over 100,000 people annually.

Night to Shine is a worldwide movement with over 700 host churches around the world.

Several local churches partner to make the event a night to remember.

The honorees come from all around McIntosh County as well as Weleetka, Wetumka, McAlester, Stigler and other nearby areas There were 99 participants this year and about 150 volunteers.

Ninety-nine is the maximum the facility will accommodate.

“We hit capacity every year,” McKinney said.

His wife, Junie McKinney, oversees the celebration.

Those who care for those with special needs are not forgotten in all of the organized chaos.

A special dining room is set up for them where they are fed and receive gifts and can watch their loved ones on closed circuit TV experience an event that will live in their memories for a lifetime.

McKinney notes that caring for the participants may be a 24-hour a day job, one that lasts a lifetime.

“This gives them a night off,” he said.

The Church provides resources for the caregivers, whatever they may need.

“They know they are not alone.”

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 ...
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5 in race for state school superintendent
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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
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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...
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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...
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