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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.

Locks of love
A: Main, news
Locks of love
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
February 11, 2026
Many people drive right past it without even knowing it’s there. Just off the path at Lake Eufaula State Park, a small fountain bubbles, almost unnoticed. But stop for a moment and you’ll see what’s r...
2026 BLACK HISTORY MONTH THEME: A CENTURY OF BLACK HISTORYCOMMEMORATIONS
A: Main, news
2026 BLACK HISTORY MONTH THEME: A CENTURY OF BLACK HISTORYCOMMEMORATIONS
By ALMA HARPER GARDENIA ART FEDERATED CLUB 
February 11, 2026
February is known as Black History Month. Black History Month started as Negro Histry Week by Carter G. Wo o d s o n in 1826. Dr. Woodson was c onc e r ne d that the contributions of Black Americans w...
A: Main, news
Lake Eufaula Association announces the 5th annual Green Run
February 11, 2026
The Lake Eufaula Association is excited to announc e the 5th Annual Green Run, happening Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Lake Eufaula Pavilion. This lively St. Patrick’s–themed event features a USATF...
NFL and Checotah great Tracy Scroggins passes
A: Main, news
NFL and Checotah great Tracy Scroggins passes
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
February 11, 2026
Tracy Scroggins, a standout defensive end and linebacker for the Detroit Lions, and a beloved figure in eastern Oklahoma football, passed away last week in Florida at the age of 56. Born September 11,...
Eufaula first-grader honored for courage after saving mother’s life
A: Main, news
Eufaula first-grader honored for courage after saving mother’s life
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
February 11, 2026
Seven-year-old Brynleigh Anderson is being celebrated as a hometown hero after her quick thinking and calm actions helped save her mother’s life during a medical emergency on Interstate 40 near Checot...
Kay Foley Owens to speak to Eufaula Heritage
news
Kay Foley Owens to speak to Eufaula Heritage
By LENORE BECHTEL 
February 11, 2026
A nostalgic trip to Eufaula’s past will be the topic at the 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, meeting of the Friends of the Eufaula Memorial Library. Kay Foley Owens will share notes taken by her father, Marsha...
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Abner Haynes
By By Michael Barnes 
February 11, 2026
The year was 1965. The American Football League had gathered its best athletes in New Orleans for the All-Star Game, an event meant to celebrate the league’s rising prominence and its brightest stars....
January Students of the Month – Eufaula Middle School
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January Students of the Month – Eufaula Middle School
By 6th GRADE 
February 11, 2026
Wrigley Morris is the daughter of Lindsey and John Morris. Her favorite class is softball, and her future plans are to become a Chiropractor. Cooper Holmes is the son of Misty and Jeremy Holmes. His f...
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Eufaula Local Livestock Show and Premium Sale set for Feb. 14
February 11, 2026
The Eufaula Local Livestock Show and Premium Sale will be held Saturday, Feb. 14, at the McIntosh County Fairgrounds. The livestock show will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the premium dinner at 5:30 p....
Dreams come true for Freedom House ladies
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Dreams come true for Freedom House ladies
By LaDonna Rhodes Staff Writer 
February 11, 2026
Dreams really do come true according to Debbie Brooks, the Education Coordinator with Adult Teen Challenge Freedom House, who had always wanted to meet Lisa Harper, a Christian, Bible educator and spe...
Session is off to the Races
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Session is off to the Races
By REPRESENTATIVE NEIL HAYS 
February 11, 2026
It has already been a strong start to the legislative season. Feb. 2 marked the start of the Second Session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature. The opening day included a joint session of the Oklahoma H...
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