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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.

Easter weekend was egg-stra special
A: Main, news
Easter weekend was egg-stra special
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
April 8, 2026
McIntosh County Easter weekend was filled with activity, even as spring storms forced a few last-minute changes across the area. At Lake Eufaula State Park and other locations, rising water and soggy ...
A: Main, news
Commissioner races highlight McIntosh County ballot
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
April 8, 2026
Filing for the 2026 election cycle has closed, leaving McIntosh County voters with a mix of uncontested races and a handful of competitive contests. Several county officials filed for re-election with...
Recognizing the hearts behind the rescue
A: Main, news
Recognizing the hearts behind the rescue
By City of Eufaula proclamation honors Paws N? Claws volunteers 
April 8, 2026
SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER A local volunteer group dedicated to giving animals a second chance received special recognition Monday night as the City of Eufaula issued a proclamation, highlighting i...
Messiah comes to McIntosh County
A: Main, news
Messiah comes to McIntosh County
By LaDonna Rhodes Staff Writer 
April 8, 2026
The Messiah came to McIntosh County once again. Over the course of two nights almost 1,200 people witnessed His return, but how many missed it? Though there have been several productions over the year...
Pride of Eufaula earns top state band honor
A: Main, news
Pride of Eufaula earns top state band honor
April 8, 2026
The Pride of Eufaula band earned the OSSAA State Sweepstakes Award in Class 4A during the OSSAA State Concert Band Contest held Thursday, April 2, at East Central University. The Sweepstakes Award is ...
news
Chamber to host Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony
April 8, 2026
The Eufaula Area Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual Banquet and Awards on April 16, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Dobber’s Roadhouse in Longtown. Attendees are invited to come out east and have a good time...
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Resurrection Sunday was just the beginning
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Resurrection Sunday was just the beginning
April 8, 2026
As I watched one local church depict the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ this past Thursday and Friday and then heard my pastor and other pastors preach about the significance of the resu...
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Community Center fundraiser
April 8, 2026
The Crowder Choctaw Community Center will host a garage and bake sale on Friday and Saturday, April 10-11, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. The event will be held rain or shine and will feature a varie...
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Governor, U.S. Senator set pace for local, state, federal candidates
April 8, 2026
More than 600 Oklahomans have filed for district, state and federal offices, according to the Oklahoma State Election Board. That’s more than the 569 who filed four years ago. Fifteen have filed for g...
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Team Up to Clean Up
April 8, 2026
The City of Eufaula and Team Up to Clean Up are inviting all residents to join forces in a city-wide beautification and clean-up effort on May 2, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Let’s come together to uplift o...
Civil War expert will speak at library
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Civil War expert will speak at library
April 8, 2026
“Homefront Heroics During the Civil War” is the topic to be explored by Dr. James Finck, professor of history at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, at the 1 p.m. Friday, April 17 meeting ...
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