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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.

Eufaula losing two prominent citizens
A: Main, news
Eufaula losing two prominent citizens
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
December 31, 2025
Robyn and Randy Burris, two of Eufaula’s leading citizens who are shining examples of what it means to be community spirited, will be leaving in January for Sheridan, Ark., just south of Little Rock. ...
2025: Year in review
A: Main, news
2025: Year in review
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
December 31, 2025
The year 2025 was an eventful one for Eufaula. Many local residents joined forces to help defeat the creation of a wind turbine farm in the county. The Muscogee Nation opened its Lake Eufaula Casino i...
A: Main, news
The subsidy cliff: What the end of ACA subsidies means for McIntosh County
By Staff Reports 
December 31, 2025
Congress has allowed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which significantly lowered premiums for millions, to expire on December 31, 2025. There is no stopgap and no extension. While Washington ...
Steele pleads guilty to robbery
A: Main, news
Steele pleads guilty to robbery
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
December 31, 2025
Dallas Allen Steele, 38, Checotah, has pled guilty to robbery with a weapon and possession of a firearm after a former felony conviction. On Dec. 10, Associate District Judge Brendon Bridges sentenced...
WMU Alliance prepare gifts for nursing home
news
WMU Alliance prepare gifts for nursing home
December 31, 2025
The Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) recently wrapped gifts for residents of Lakeview Nursing home. Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU), founded in 1888, is the largest Protestant mission’s organization for ...
Merit vs. equity in college football
commentary
Merit vs. equity in college football
December 31, 2025
Now that the playoffs are set, it’s worth taking a moment to understand the flaws and biases built into the college football ranking system. While fairness may be an interesting word, I’m someone who ...
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We all need Jesus
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Another year around the sun and as I turned 57 on Dec. 30 I realize that no matter how old we get – we all need Jesus. Though the world may label us old, out dated or off our rockers, the truth is wit...
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A Writer Returns: The Spirit of Posey, and the Souls of Eufaula
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There are journeys we plan, and journeys we are called into. After my wife passed nearly three years ago, I became a quiet traveler—wandering, grieving, watching life from a distance. For two years, I...
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Christmas Is Over – Now What??
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It still catches my attention every year how all the preparation, excitement, stress, busy-ness, and joy of Christmas all seem to suddenly drop away, leaving almost nothing behind, once the celebratio...
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New Year resolutions will work — if you’re aligned with God!
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New Year resolutions will work—if you’re aligned with God! The gap between Christmas and the New Year is generally when people plan life improvements for the next 365 days. This past Sunday LECC Assoc...
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