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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.

Eufaula cruises to 72-52 victory over Beggs Golden Demons
B:, sports
Eufaula cruises to 72-52 victory over Beggs Golden Demons
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
February 4, 2026
The Eufaula Ironheads (173) cruised to a 72-52 victory over the Beggs Golden Demons Friday night at Beggs. It was a score for score game to start as the teams were tied 10-10 before Eufaula began to p...
Remembering Jerry
A: Main, news
Remembering Jerry
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
February 4, 2026
Jerry Fink never met a story he couldn’t write. For more than 50 years, he wrote them from the front lines of war zones to the bright lights of Las Vegas, from the smoking buildings of OKC to the quie...
A: Main, news
Early voting for Feb. 10 election
February 4, 2026
Early voting begins Thursday, Feb., 2026 for voters in McIntosh County who reside in the Henryetta Public Schools District. Voters who will not be able to make it to the polling place located at the T...
City of Eufaula releases annual financial report for FY 2025
A: Main, news
City of Eufaula releases annual financial report for FY 2025
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
February 4, 2026
On Monday, Feb. 2, the City of Eufaula approved its annual financial audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 as presented by Arledge & Associates. The financial report outlines the City’...
Black History Month: ‘A Century of Black History Commemorations’
A: Main, news
Black History Month: ‘A Century of Black History Commemorations’
By DAPHANIE HUTTON STAFF REPORT 
February 4, 2026
The theme for 2026 Black History Month is “A Century of Black History Commemora-tions,” honoring its 100th anniversary. This theme emphasizes 100 years of intentional efforts to honor, study, and pres...
news
Wild Game Dinner & Potluck at Lake Eufaula State Park
February 4, 2026
Come join locals for a great evening at Pickens Lake Group Camp, Hwy 150, Lake Eufaula State Park, on March 21 at 5 p.m. as Friends of Lake Eufaula State Park host their Annual Wild Game Dinner & Potl...
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Former McAlester Coach Forrest Mazey cleared of embezzlement charges
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
February 4, 2026
MCALESTER — Forrest Lawson Mazey, the former head football coach at McAlester High School, has had the felony embezzlement charge related to his tenure with McAlester Public Schools dismissed, court r...
LOST DOG
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LOST DOG
February 4, 2026
This sweet boy went missing around Malette last week and his family desperately wants him back. Please call 608788-5981 if found.
Emergency Roadside Service and Towing in High Demand
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Emergency Roadside Service and Towing in High Demand
February 4, 2026
AAA crews are busy with extractions, towing, battery service and flat tires, as motorists face challenging conditions. AAA emergency roadside service demand in Oklahoma surged an astonishing 221% as l...
news
Honoring a Quiet Hero: The Legacy of Abner Haynes
By STAFF REPORT 
February 4, 2026
In small towns like Eufaula, stories matter. They help us remember who we are—and how far we’ve come. This Black History Month, The Eufaula Indian Journal is proud to share a five-part series honoring...
news
Competitors needed for Chili Cook-Off
By LaDonna Rhodes Staff Writer 
February 4, 2026
Who is ready to compete for the best tasting chili in McIntosh County? The 18th Annual Chili Cook-Off is set for Saturday, Feb, 28 to benefit the Heartland Heritage Museum & Gallery. This year the chi...
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