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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.

Christmas classics shine in Eufaula’s lighted parade
A: Main, news
Christmas classics shine in Eufaula’s lighted parade
By SHAUNA BELYEU 
December 10, 2025
GENERAL MANAGER Main Street sparkled with holiday magic Saturday night as Eufaula kicked off the season with its annual Lighted Christmas Parade, drawing families downtown for an evening of twinkling ...
Eufaula launches search for City Planner to guide growth
A: Main, news
Eufaula launches search for City Planner to guide growth
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
December 10, 2025
The City of Eufaula is taking a major step toward shaping its long-term future by launching the recruitment for its first-ever City Planner, a move that city leaders believe is vital to supporting res...
Shop with a Cop Dec. 10, 11, 12
A: Main, news
Shop with a Cop Dec. 10, 11, 12
December 10, 2025
The 12th Annual McIntosh County Law Enforcement Shop with a COP event will take place this week on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Law enforcement officers, in partnership with school districts, will ...
A: Main, news
Checotah resident pleads guilty to distributing Methamphetamine
December 10, 2025
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announces that Joshua Darrin Breshears, age 33, of Checotah, entered a guilty plea to one count of Distribution of Methamphetam...
A: Main, news
Search begins for school superintendent
December 10, 2025
The search is now underway for a school superintendent replace Monty Guthrie, who announced at the Nov. 10 School Board meeting that he was retiring effective June 30, 2026. At Monday’s meeting the Bo...
School election filing period ends
A: Main, news
School election filing period ends
December 10, 2025
Just as the filing period ended for school board elections, Eufaula incumbent Kenny Bumgarner announced his resignation. Bumgarner, 55, represented seat 2. The board will ap-The point someone to fill ...
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Holiday Magic Fills the Eufaula Armory at Annual Christmas Trade Show
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Holiday Magic Fills the Eufaula Armory at Annual Christmas Trade Show
By MICHAEL BARNES 
December 10, 2025
The Eufaula Armory transformed into a joyful holiday playground on Saturday, Dec. 6, as families, vendors, and even one very friendly dog filled the space for the annual Heartland Bazaar. With aisles ...
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EOSC receives $16 million donation
December 10, 2025
WILBURTON – Eastern Oklahoma State College has received an unprecedented $16 million unrestricted gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott through her foundation, Yield Giving. This donation marks the...
Asher announces for reelection
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Asher announces for reelection
December 10, 2025
I am running for reelection to the Eufaula Public School Board district 1 seat. Having served for eight years on the Board, I am excited about the progress our District has made. I look forward to the...
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Artesian Realty hosts toy giveaway
December 10, 2025
Artesian Realty, 106 Selmon Rd., Eufaula, will host a toy giveaway on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Little Turtle Banquet Hall on old 69 highway north of Eufaula. Santa will be on hand ...
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Driver killed after hitting deer
December 10, 2025
An unidentified motorist was killed after striking a deer and then a second vehicle on SH 16 in Muskogee County Friday. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, after the car struck the deer the vehi...
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