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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 Police awarded $2,500 grant
A: Main, news
Eufaula Police awarded $2,500 grant
March 25, 2026
The Eufaula Police Department was recently awarded almost $2,500 in grant funding from East Central Electric Cooperative and the CVEC Foundation. Through this funding, our department was able to purch...
A: Main, news
Chili, community and a cause
March 25, 2026
An evening of fellowship, food and community spirit is set to bring Eufaula together later this month as the EFUMC United Methodist Men host their “Chili for the 180” Building Fund Dinner. The event, ...
A: Main, news
Eufaula woman drowns in Lake Eufaula while aiding children
March 25, 2026
A 53-year-old Eufaula woman died Sunday afternoon after a drowning at Lake Eufaula in Pittsburg County. The incident occurred around 3:10 p.m. at the 9 South Swim Area, according to the Oklahoma Highw...
City gathers community input through stakeholder meetings for comprehensive plan
A: Main, news
City gathers community input through stakeholder meetings for comprehensive plan
March 25, 2026
The City of Eufaula continued its work on the community’s first comprehensive plan last week by hosting a series of stakeholder meetings on Monday and Tuesday, March 16–17. Over the course of two days...
McIntosh County unveils new logo honoring history, heritage
A: Main, news
McIntosh County unveils new logo honoring history, heritage
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
March 25, 2026
McIntosh County officials have unveiled a new county logo designed to reflect the area’s history, culture and natural beauty. “This new symbol represents not only where we’ve been, but who we are toda...
Fort Smith police arrest suspect in connection with a stabbing that injured one woman
A: Main, news
Fort Smith police arrest suspect in connection with a stabbing that injured one woman
March 25, 2026
A Eufaula man who pre viously served prison time for a stabbing in Oklahoma has been arrested in Arkans a s , accused of attacking another woman in front of her children. According to authorities, the...
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More Than the Easter Bunny
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At the Eufaula Memorial Library on Friday, March 20, a presentation by longtime educator Roger Thompson became more than a history lesson—it became a reflection on how we learn, how we question, and h...
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Eufaula High School Drama Department Presents The Rehearsal by Don Zolidis
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The Eufaula High School Speech and Drama Department is proud to announce its upcoming production of The Rehearsal, a hilarious and poignant comedy by renowned playwright Don Zolidis. This production i...
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