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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.

Survivors still crushing cancer
A: Main, news
Survivors still crushing cancer
By LaDonna Rhodes Staff Writer 
October 22, 2025
Rochelle Holmes, Cheryl Sasser, Dena Kay Miller, Sandra Davidson, Lisa Rodebush, Iris Park, Sherry Pitts, Terri Fields, Melina Goatcher, Debbie Wycoff, Penny Marshall, Imogene Duvall and several other...
A: Main, news
Spooky Dance Oct. 25
October 22, 2025
Eufaula High School students are invited to a Spooky Dance on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce building, 301 N. Main. Admission is $10 per person. The evening will i...
A: Main, news
VFW Golf Classic Saturday
October 22, 2025
The 2025 VFW Post 8798 Fall Golf Classic is set for Saturday, Oct. 25, at Arrowhead Golf Course. Sign up at 8 a.m., tee off at 9 a.m. Entry fee is $75 for fourman scramble. For more information call t...
A: Main, news
Candidates may apply for school board
October 22, 2025
The Board of Education of Eufaula Public School District hereby announces that statutorily qualified individuals interested in running as a candidate for the No. 1 seat and No. 3 seat on the Eufaula B...
A: Main, news
Military Order of the Purple Heart to honor veterans
October 22, 2025
A Special Wreath Laying Ceremony for family members of veterans who gave their lives in Vietnam was recently announced by Don Nichols of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The Military Order of t...
Wrestling club hires OSU Champion to coach
A: Main, news
Wrestling club hires OSU Champion to coach
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
October 22, 2025
Boone McLaughlin is passionate about wrestling. He wrestled and his three adult sons wrestled when they were young. He would like to see children get into the sport. “They used to have it at Eufaula H...
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Domestic Violence Awareness event this Thursday, Oct. 23
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Domestic Violence Awareness event this Thursday, Oct. 23
October 22, 2025
The McIntosh County Democrat invites the community to come out and support survivors of domestic violence by saying “Boo to Domestic Violence.” Locals from McIntosh County and the surrounding areas wi...
Gardenia Club to host Program of Honor
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Gardenia Club to host Program of Honor
October 22, 2025
The public is invited to the Gardenia Federated Club Program of Honor on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 4 p.m. It will be held at the Checotah Mt. Calvary Baptist Church located at 212 E. Park Ave. The...
news
Donuts for Veterans
October 22, 2025
Donuts/coffee for Veterans event October 24, 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Katy Depot in Checotah. Free of charge. Courtesy of the Paul Carr Memorial Foundation.
news
7th Annual Checotah Lions Club Charity Golf Tournament
October 22, 2025
Friday, Oct. 24 at Arrowhead State Golf Course – Canadian, OK Registration begins at 8 a.m. Shot Gun start at 8:30 a.m. Four Man Scramble –Cash Prizes & Door Prizes & More! Lunch immediately following...
Casey takes second in Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd
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Casey takes second in Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd
By LaDonna Rhodes Staff Writer 
October 22, 2025
Over the weekend Margaret Casey competed in the Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd where she completed a 100K run and came in second overall female in under 17 hours. “What a way to spend a whole Saturday!” Casey...
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