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$2 million bond set for suspects in connection to homicide
A: Main, news
April 16, 2025
$2 million bond set for suspects in connection to homicide
By JOHN BLOCK STIGLER NEWS-SENTINEL

Two men are currently being held in the Haskell County Jail on suspicion of first-degree murder in connection to the homicide of Tina Mitchell, 56, of Stigler.

According to Haskell County Assistant District Attorney James Green, formal charges are expected to be filed early next week against Billy Mitchell, 49, of Stigler, and Jack Swanda, 39, of Muskogee. The two men are currently being held on a $2 million bond each for the homicide, which occurred on April 5.

Green said the duo is expected to make an initial court appearance on April 15.

The Haskell County Sheriff ’s Department reported receiving a 911 call at about 6 p.m. on April 5. Deputies traveled to a property between Garland and Cass, just off Tamaha Road to the east, where they spotted a male subject, later identified as Swanda, covered in blood.

According to Haskell County Sheriff Terry Garland, Swanda suffered stab wounds to both his neck and shoulder and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Upon release from the hospital, he was arrested and booked into the Haskell County Jail.

Tina Mitchell’s body was discovered with stab wounds and multiple apparent gunshot wounds. She was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to a press release issued by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations (OSBI).

OSBI and local law enforcement began searching for Billy Mitchell after he was identified as a suspect. He reportedly fled on foot and was found hours later hiding at a nearby property. He was then arrested and booked into the Haskell County Jail.

The next morning, deputies and agents continued their search of the property and discovered a second deceased individual. The individual was transported to the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner’s Office to determine a cause of death.

Garland said that he expects the death to be a result of foul play and that the sheriff ’s office will have more information once the medical examiner’s reports are released.

As of press time, the deceased individual’s name has not been released.

“I hate it for the families, because that’s who it affects the most right now, because they have to deal with it. The families are in our thoughts and prayers, and we’re doing everything we can possibly do to make this as easy for them as possible,” Garland said.

Winter storm blankets McIntosh County with snow, ice and deep freeze
A: Main
Winter storm blankets McIntosh County with snow, ice and deep freeze
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
January 28, 2026
A winter storm sweeping across much of the United States over the weekend brought snow, sleet and bitter cold to McIntosh County, covering the community in a rare winter blanket and keeping crews busy...
A: Main
Search underway for Eufaula superintendent
January 28, 2026
The search is underway for the next Eufaula Public Schools superintendent. Eufaula school board members opened the search, in partnership with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association, after Eufau...
A: Main
Fugitive arrested in Eufaula
January 28, 2026
The Eufaula Police Department served a warrant at a residence in the Lakehurst Addition within the City of Eufaula on Jan. 22. The warrant was served as part of an ongoing investigation. The suspect, ...
Property rights advocate gives solar-farm warning
A: Main
Property rights advocate gives solar-farm warning
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
January 28, 2026
McIntosh County Republicans met Thursday, Jan. 22, at the Eufaula VFW for a meeting featuring a presentation on large-scale solar development and an update on longterm city planning from Eufaula Mayor...
Eufaula Chamber opens 2026 with renewed focus for the new year
A: Main
Eufaula Chamber opens 2026 with renewed focus for the new year
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
January 28, 2026
The Eufaula Area Chamber of Commerce held its first meeting of the new year Tuesday, Jan. 20, at the chamber office, marking the first official meeting led by new Executive Director Tim Turner. Turner...
Listening to the lake: Understanding the rise and fall of Lake Eufaula
news
Listening to the lake: Understanding the rise and fall of Lake Eufaula
By MICHAEL BARNES 
January 28, 2026
If you’ve stood at the end of a dock at sunrise, or paused beside a quiet boat ramp where the water once lapped higher against the concrete, you’ve likely felt it—that small, unsettled question that c...
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Oklahoma Senator introduces bill to protect Oklahoma land
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Oklahoma Senator introduces bill to protect Oklahoma land
January 28, 2026
Senator Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, has filed a slate of legislation for the 2026 legislative session to strengthen protections for Oklahomans, underscoring his commitment to defending Oklahoma valu...
Waiting out the storm together in Eufaula
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Waiting out the storm together in Eufaula
By MICHAEL BARNES 
January 28, 2026
In the days before the storm, I realized that winter doesn’t just test your supplies — it tests how much you’re willing to think beyond yourself. Around that same time, my neighbors and I started talk...
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Green Country CattleWomen announce new board
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Green Country CattleWomen announced their new board as they wrapped up two years with their former board that they express their gratitude of exceptional leadership and support. The former board inclu...
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Warrant issued for man who failed to appear in court
January 28, 2026
A bench warrant has been issued for a 27-year-old McIntosh County man who failed to appear in court for a hearing held on Dec. 18, 2025. Arnold Willard Carey Jr. forfeited his $50,000 bond. He is char...
Hannah Kennedy awarded local scholarship
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Hannah Kennedy awarded local scholarship
January 28, 2026
The Eufaula Area Arts Council awards an annual college scholarship to a graduating student from an accredited high school or home school in the Eufaula, Oklahoma area who demonstrates meaningful invol...
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