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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.

Coffee With the Chiefs first of community discussions
A: Main, news
Coffee With the Chiefs first of community discussions
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
February 25, 2026
Residents gathered for Coffee with the Chiefs on Monday, Feb. 23 at City Hall for an open discussion about public safety, training, equipment and the future of services in Eufaula. The informal meetin...
Escaped convict
A: Main, news
Escaped convict
February 25, 2026
As of press time, Local and state authorities are on the lookout for an escaped inmate from the Jackie Brannon Correctional Center in McAlester. Robey Butler allegedly walked away from the facility la...
2026 National Theme: A Century of Black History Commemorations
A: Main, news
2026 National Theme: A Century of Black History Commemorations
By ALMA HARPER GARDENIA ART FEDERATED CLUB 
February 25, 2026
The sit-ins The Sit-In movement was a nonviolent movement of the United Civil Rights era. The sit-in, an act of civil disobedience, was a tactic that aroused sympathy for demonstrators among moderates...
Morning Rescue inspired by Paws N Claws pup
A: Main, news
Morning Rescue inspired by Paws N Claws pup
By LaDonna Rhodes Staff Writer 
February 25, 2026
Paws N Claws started their meager rescue efforts to save the local pound pups on January 26, 2024. Some of the first dogs ever adopted went out of state and one very lucky pup was adopted by Brad Shro...
Local students show their true passion at the Eufaula Livestock Show
A: Main, news
Local students show their true passion at the Eufaula Livestock Show
February 25, 2026
Local students were recognized for their work in the barn and in the show ring during the 2026 Eufaula Local Livestock Show and Premium Sale on Feb. 14, where exhibitors competed for top honors across...
Chamber blood drive a success
A: Main, news
Chamber blood drive a success
February 25, 2026
The Eufaula Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a community blood drive Monday, Feb. 23, at the Chamber office in Eufaula. The drive was conducted in partnership with the Oklahoma Blood Institute, which p...
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A Food Pantry guided by faith and experience
A: Main, news
A Food Pantry guided by faith and experience
February 25, 2026
Just east of Highway 69 on Texanna Road sits a single building that houses Thimbles N Thread Quilt Shop, owned by LaDonna McKay. The fabric and quilting shop is bright, colorful, and welcoming. Bright...
Night to Shine, Part II: Where the celebration comes home
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Night to Shine, Part II: Where the celebration comes home
February 25, 2026
After the music faded at Night to Shine and the final crowns were placed, the celebration cont i nued quietly — following a group of guests home to Pioneer Campus. Just hours before, on February 13 — ...
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Abner Haynes
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February 25, 2026
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Free tax preparation available
February 25, 2026
Free tax preparation service is being offered by the AARP Foundation beginning Feb. 14 and continuing through April 11. The service will be available on Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Eufaula C...
ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH SEMINAR
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ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH SEMINAR
February 25, 2026
Saturday, February 28 at 11 a.m. Mt. Olive Star Baptist Church 413665 E. 1080 Rd., Checotah, OK Rev. Samuel Cunningham, Pastor Sponsored by the Warrior School Restoration Organization Inc. Alma Harper...
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