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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.

City of Eufaula rings in the New Year with Fire Chief Corey Cantrell at the helm
A: Main, news
City of Eufaula rings in the New Year with Fire Chief Corey Cantrell at the helm
January 14, 2026
As the City of Eufaula steps into a new year, it also marks the beginning of a new chapter in public safety leadership. Corey Cantrell officially begins his first full year as Fire Chief of the Eufaul...
Eufaula Ironheads crowned Warner Eagles Cherokee Classic Champions
B:, sports
Eufaula Ironheads crowned Warner Eagles Cherokee Classic Champions
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
January 14, 2026
The No. 8 Eufaula Ironheads (11-2) were crowned Warner Eagles Cherokee Classic Champions Saturday after dismantling the No. 3 Okay Mustangs 60-47. Eufaula continues to be a fun team to watch. They’re ...
Construction begins on EHS Event Center
A: Main, news
Construction begins on EHS Event Center
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
January 14, 2026
Thanks to Eufaula voters, big changes are coming to Eufaula school campuses, changes that will allow the district to continue to grow and provide quality education. Construction is now underway on the...
A: Main, news
Voter registration and absentee ballot deadlines are approaching
January 14, 2026
Friday, January 16, is the last day to apply for voter registration to be eligible to vote in the February 10 Henryetta School Board Special Election, McIntosh County Election Board Secretary Kim Limb...
A: Main, news
Chamber to host general meeting
January 14, 2026
The Eufaula Area Chamber of Commerce will host its first meeting for the new year on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at noon at the Chamber office located 301 N. Main. Lunch will be donated by Watson’s Lakeside Beef...
ODOT nears completion of Main Street improvement project
A: Main, news
ODOT nears completion of Main Street improvement project
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
January 14, 2026
City officials joined representatives from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the project contractor on Jan. 9 to walk the Main Street construction corridor and review completed work as the...
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Eufaula Chamber of Commerce welcomes Turner as new executive director
A: Main, news
Eufaula Chamber of Commerce welcomes Turner as new executive director
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
January 14, 2026
The Eufaula Area Chamber of Commerce has welcomed Tim Turner as its new executive director, a role he officially assumed on Jan. 1. “Tim brings fresh perspective and energy as the organization continu...
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Oklahoma homeowners can now access grants up to $10,000 to strengthen homes and lower costs
January 14, 2026
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma homeowners statewide now have an opportunity to significantly reduce storm damage risk and lower their insurance costs through a proven state grant program. The Oklahoma Insur...
news
Statewide Charter School Board audit finds no misappropriation at Epic
January 14, 2026
The Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board has voted to accept the findings of a forensic audit of Epic Charter Schools’ finances. The audit revealed no misappropriation of funds or willful wrongdoin...
Community Calendar
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Community Calendar
January 14, 2026
If you would like to list your meeting or event in the Community Calendar, please email all the information to jerry@cookson.news, call the Indian Journal at 918-689-2191 or drop the information off a...
Insights about the Eufaula Dormitory will be shared at Friends’ meeting
news
Insights about the Eufaula Dormitory will be shared at Friends’ meeting
By LENORE BECHTEL 
January 14, 2026
Sulli Mariah Lee grew up in Eufaula’s Native American boarding school from 1954 to 1965 when she graduated from Eufaula High School. A Muscogee (Creek) Nation citizen with Cherokee and Choctaw heritag...
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