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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.

Let there be light!
A: Main, news
Let there be light!
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
November 26, 2025
Downtown Eufaula came alive Friday night as the community gathered for the annual Lights on Eufaula celebration, officially ushering in the Christmas season with bright lights, festive music, and home...
Local Flavor draws a packed crowd
A: Main, news
Local Flavor draws a packed crowd
By MICHAEL BARNES 
November 26, 2025
Sandbar Tavern was filled to capacity on Tuesday, Nov. 18 as supporters from across the county gathered for an evening of food, fellowship, and hometown generosity, all in support of Under One Roof, t...
A: Main, news
Checotah resident sentenced for distributing Methamphetamine
November 26, 2025
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Andrew Frank Lerblance, a/k/a Andrew Frank Lerblance, Jr., age 66, of Checotah, Oklahoma, w...
First advisory committee held to help shape Eufaula’s future growth
A: Main, news
First advisory committee held to help shape Eufaula’s future growth
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
November 26, 2025
The City of Eufaula is in the process of creating a comprehensive plan along with the help of Freese and Nichols, a privately owned engineering, planning and consulting firm serving clients across the...
A: Main, news
Candidate filing begins for Board of Education
November 26, 2025
Candidate filing for the Board of Education begins Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, for McIntosh County school districts. Those who wish to file for a Board of Education office must submit a Declaration of Candi...
A: Main, news
Lake Eufaula Association Announces First-Ever Christmas Tour of Homes
November 26, 2025
The Lake Eufaula Association is thrilled to announce our 1st Annual Christmas Tour of Homes, happening Thursday, December 11th from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM. This brand-new holiday event celebrates the beau...
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Voices of gratitude: What I’m thankful for
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“I am thankful for the love and support of his family and friends, health and the opportunities for my future. I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday.”- Eufaula senior, Luke Hodgens “I’m grateful fo...
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Native Holiday Arts and Crafts show Dec. 6
November 26, 2025
The Eufaula-Canadian Tribal Town will host a Native Holiday Arts and Crafts show on Saturday, Dec. 6th, at the Eufaula Indian Community Center, 800 Birkes Road, Eufaula, from 9:00am-3pm. Various handm...
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It pays to shop Eufaula
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
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Holiday cheer is officially in full swing, and Eufaula is ready to jingle all the way! Vision Eufaula has unwrapped this year’s Shop Eufaula campaign, turning the town into a festive trail of prizes, ...
A Thanksgiving message to our community
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A Thanksgiving message to our community
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
November 26, 2025
As we head into Thanksgiving, we find ourselves reflecting on what makes our community so special. This isn’t just about where we live; it’s all the simple moments that remind us that small-town life ...
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Grateful this season
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It seems like time is flying by and months are changing within days not weeks as year after year pass too quickly. However, I know every season has something that we can be grateful for if we just loo...
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