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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.

MLK Day gathering in reflects on faith, responsibility and community
A: Main, news
MLK Day gathering in reflects on faith, responsibility and community
By STAFF REPORT 
January 21, 2026
Community members gathered Sunday, Jan. 18, at Mount Olive Star Missionary Baptist Church in Checotah for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance centered on faith, reflection, and shared responsibili...
Stilwell Indians pull away in second half to defeat Checotah Wildcats
B:, sports
Stilwell Indians pull away in second half to defeat Checotah Wildcats
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
January 21, 2026
STILWELL — The Stilwell Indians used a strong offensive performance and physical defense to defeat the Checotah Wildcats (3-9) by a final score of 74–38 in a nondistrict boys basketball game Friday ni...
A: Main, news
McIntosh County GOP meeting
January 21, 2026
McIntosh GOP has a meeting this Thursday, Jan 22nd and we have quite a lineup for you. Our main speaker will be NeAnne Clinton, founder of Garfield County Conservation Coalition -- she will be speakin...
Author shares story of purpose and memory
A: Main, news
Author shares story of purpose and memory
By STAFF REPORT 
January 21, 2026
Sulli Mariah Lee, author of the book Wees Are Kneak Moments and a member of the Eufaula High School Class of 1965, opened her presentation last Friday at the Eufaula Public Library by recalling a sent...
A: Main, news
Absentee Ballot applications available for 2026 election year
January 21, 2026
Voters in McIntosh County who want absentee ballots mailed to them for elections in 2026 should apply now. Any registered voter may request absentee ballots for a specific election or for a full calen...
A: Main, news
Eufaula City Council votes against feasibility study for Longtown and Texanna Annexation
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
January 21, 2026
In a three-minute council meeting at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 20, the Eufaula City Council voted to direct the city manager to take no further action at this time regarding the annexation Longtown and ...
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Paws N Claws – Eufaula celebrates second anniversary
A: Main, news
Paws N Claws – Eufaula celebrates second anniversary
By STAFF REPORT 
January 21, 2026
It’s been two years since Paws N Claws – Eufaula started their volunteer group to help pound pups find homes in McIntosh County and the surrounding areas. What started off as a small volunteer partner...
news
Competitors needed for Chili Cook-Off
By LaDonna Rhodes Staff Writer 
January 21, 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...
OHP conducting special emphasis on distracted driving through Jan. 31
news
OHP conducting special emphasis on distracted driving through Jan. 31
January 21, 2026
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is conducting a special emphasis on distracted driving January 17 through January 31. The mobilization is dedicated to and inspired by Trooper Nicholas Dees who was killed ...
news
Legendary KVOO radio DJ Billy Parker dies at 88
January 21, 2026
Billy Parker, a KVOO DJ who shaped country music broadcasting for over four decades, passed away this week at 88. Parker was born in Tuskegee, OK, and first began performing on the radio as a teenager...
news
Henryetta resident pleads guilty to methamphetamine distribution
January 21, 2026
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Michael Wayne Wasson, a/k/a Pops, 64, of Henryetta, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of a Felony Inf...
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