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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.

First Baptist shreds note for its new Family Life Center
A: Main, news
First Baptist shreds note for its new Family Life Center
November 5, 2025
On Sunday, October 5 the First Baptist Church of Eufaula family shredded the mortgage note for its new Family Life Center. The building was completed in August of 2024 and was paid off just over a yea...
A: Main, news
Council appoints Advisory Committee
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
November 5, 2025
The Eufaula City Council on Monday appointed a ninemember Advisory Committee to held the Council develop its comprehensive plan for Eufaula’s future. The committee consists of two Council Members, two...
A: Main, news
Victim, suspect identified
November 5, 2025
The woman who was found dead near Council Hill on Oct. 28 has been identified as Traci Byrd, 53, of Hugo, according to the McIntosh County District Attorney’s office. The suspect has been identified a...
A: Main, news
Annual Local Flavor Event to be held on Nov 18
November 5, 2025
Under One Roof is pleased to announce the return of its highly anticipated annual fundraising event, Local Flavor, to be held on Tuesday, November 18, from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at The Sandbar Tavern, 24...
Memories of Veteran Burton Kidd
A: Main, news
Memories of Veteran Burton Kidd
By ELLEN VINSON AND STAFF WRITER LADONNA RHODES 
November 5, 2025
In May of this year, Iris Park flew to Italy to visit her son and while she was there she visited the gravesite of her cousin, Burton Kidd, who died during World War II. Burton was born June 25, 1924,...
A: Main, news
SNAP benefits cut in half
November 5, 2025
Congress remains closed amid the dispute between Democrats and Republicans in Washington D.C. over health care benefits. Due to the closure, SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Program, came close to clo...
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Vision Eufaula launches Shop Eufaula campaign
November 5, 2025
Vision Eufaula is proud to announce the launch of this year’s Shop Eufaula campaign, alongside our presenting sponsorship by The City of Eufaula. Shop Eufaula is a community wide effort to encourage r...
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Haltom’s Huddle Holiday Food Drive
November 5, 2025
Sports Editor Rodney Haltom continues his personal mission to help feed those in need during the upcoming holiday season in McIntosh County. He has launched a food drive, seeking canned or dry food th...
news
Ag Booster Club spaghetti dinner, pie auction
November 5, 2025
The Eufaula Ag Booster Club will host a free spaghetti dinner and pie auction Sunday, Nov. 23, at the Eufaula Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall. Dinner will start at 1 p.m. with the pie auction to follow at 3 ...
Thanksgiving picture book now on StoryWalk
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Thanksgiving picture book now on StoryWalk
By LENORE BECHTEL 
November 5, 2025
Out with the spooky Halloween picture book! In with “Run, Turkey, Run,” a read-aloud story about turkey trying to out-trick and out-run Mr. Farmer to escape being part of the family’s Thanksgiving din...
Spooky Dance brings frights and fun to Eufaula
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Spooky Dance brings frights and fun to Eufaula
November 5, 2025
The 2nd annual Spooky Dance, cosponsored by Eufaula Area Arts and the Eufaula Performing and Arts Club (EPAC), brought chills, laughter, and plenty of dancing to the community this past weekend in the...
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