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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.

Butler captured on Kerr Lake after two-week manhunt
A: Main
Butler captured on Kerr Lake after two-week manhunt
By AMIE CATO-REMER COURTESY 
March 4, 2026
After nearly two weeks on the run that included a reported kidnapping and a multi-county search, escaped inmate Robey L. Butler was captured Monday morning near Keota, bringing a tense manhunt to a sa...
Mayor issues proclamation honoring late editor Jerry Fink
A: Main
Mayor issues proclamation honoring late editor Jerry Fink
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
March 4, 2026
On March 2, the Eufaula City Council opened its regular meeting by honoring the life and legacy of longtime journalist Jerry Fink. Mayor James Hickman read a formal proclamation recognizing the late E...
A: Main
Commutation Hearing set in Jerry Don Hurst murder case
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
March 4, 2026
Danny Turner was convicted of first-degree murder in 1992 for the 1991 poisoning death of his Checotah High School classmate, Jerry Don Hurst. Turner was convicted and sentenced by a McIntosh County j...
A: Main
Saint Francis Health System expands in Eufaula
March 4, 2026
Saint Francis Health System is proud to expand in Eufaula, working to bring emergency services back to the community. The health system is preparing an existing building near the former hospital site ...
A: Main
EHS goes Hollywood
March 4, 2026
Eufaula High School Presents “EHS Goes Hollywood” Drama Awards Banquet and Murder Mystery featuring virtual keynote speaker Don Zolidis The Eufaula High School Speech and Drama Department is rolling o...
Family and friends say farewell to Tracy Scroggins and his mother
news
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By LaDonna Rhodes Staff Writer 
March 4, 2026
It was a sad day when Checotah heard of the passing of one of their own, Tracy Scroggins, whose name lives on at the field house and playground in his hometown. Scroggins passed away at the age of 56 ...
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Break out the shamrocks, dust off the tutus and lace up those running shoes, the Eufaula Green Run 5K is back for its sixth year, bringing a splash of Irish spirit to the shoreline of Lake Eufaula. Ho...
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City invests in firefighter safety with new protective gear
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The Eufaula Fire Department is better equipped to protect both firefighters and the community following a $147,000 investment approved by the Eufaula City Council in August for critical gear and equip...
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Deadline March 15 Oklahoma City – There is still time for Oklahoma students to apply for the Ragland Family Education Foundation’s scholarship of $20,000. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2026. The ...
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