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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.

A: Main, news
EODD offers help for those 60 and older
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If you are 60 years of age or older and need access to services such as meals (home delivered or congregate), homemaker services, nutrition counselling, legal help, caregiver services, or transportati...
Eufaula City Council hears public input on possible feasibility study involving Longtown, Texanna Road
A: Main, news
Eufaula City Council hears public input on possible feasibility study involving Longtown, Texanna Road
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
January 7, 2026
With a standing-roomonly crowd and almost two hours of discussion, the Eufaula City Council heard extensive public input Monday night on a proposal tied to the city’s comprehensive plan that would all...
New marker honors Alexander Posey
A: Main, news
New marker honors Alexander Posey
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
January 7, 2026
A new historical marker was recently placed at Posey Park, a tribute to a man who rose to nationwide prominence in the late 1800s, early 1900s. Journalist, poet, public speaker, community activist, wa...
First Day Hike on Jan. 1 is a nationwide tradition
A: Main, news
First Day Hike on Jan. 1 is a nationwide tradition
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
January 7, 2026
On New Year’s Day, State Parks across Oklahoma conduct First Day Hikes, welcoming families of all ages to come enjoy the great outdoors and reconnect with nature. 226 hikers and 21 furry friends gathe...
Buddies needed for Night to Shine – Eufaula!
A: Main, news
Buddies needed for Night to Shine – Eufaula!
January 7, 2026
One of the most important roles at Night to Shine is being a Buddy—a one-on-one companion for one of our Honored Guests. Buddies stay with their guest the entire evening, offering support, encourageme...
Monthly Free Food Giveaway Friday
A: Main, news
Monthly Free Food Giveaway Friday
January 7, 2026
St. Paul’s Parish, 700 Forest Ave, Eufaula, will have its monthly food giveaway Friday, Jan. 9, from 11 a.m. until the food runs out. Just drive up and receive free groceries! Volunteers are always we...
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December warmth and drought punctuate 2025
By Gary McManus State Climatologist 
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If moisture and cold weather topped your December weather Christmas list, you likely didn’t enjoy the lump of coal Mother Nature delivered instead. December 2025 finished as Oklahoma’s second driest a...
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The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board can’t sidestep the Department of Corrections in determining medical parole eligibility, the attorney general’s office decided last month. The Parole Board voted 4-...
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